Double boost for Feyenoord

Hofs comes early
Hofs was set to join Feyenoord from SBV Vitesse in the summer after the two clubs agreed his transfer last month but Feyenoord have now negotiated to take him to Rotterdam six months early. The 21-year-old midfield player's contract with Vitesse was due to expire at the season's end.

Possible debuts
Hofs, who moves on a three-and-a-half year contract, could make his debut for his new club against Vitesse this Sunday, when Swedish international Östlund may also be involved. Östlund signed a four-and-a-half year deal this morning to seal his switch from Hammarby. As with the Hofs transfer, the fee remains undisclosed.

Östlund cup-tied
The 26-year-old Östlund is a right-sided defender and impressed Feyenoord's technical manager, Mark Wotte, when he watched him against Arjen Robben in the Swedes' quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands at UEFA EURO 2004™. Unlike Hofs, he is not eligible to play in the UEFA Cup, having already represented Hammarby in that competition this season.

Van Haaren departs
As Feyenoord welcome two new faces, they say goodbye to defender Ramon van Haaren who has left the club to spend the rest of the campaign at second division side Sparta Rotterdam. The 32-year-old had played just 14 matches during an injury-ridden four-year spell with Feyenoord, where his contract expires this summer.