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Real Sociedad are poised to sign Brazilian forward Savio from Flamengo after his former club Real Zaragoza said they had reduced the eight million euros ($10.54 million) penalty clause to be paid if he returned to Spain. The Primera Liga side released the former Real Madrid player at the end of last season to allow him to return to Brazil.

Ronaldinho and Deco have yet to appear at Barcelona training after the Christmas break. They join the lengthy list of South American-born players who have failed to turn up on time as Primera Liga clubs prepare for their first games of the year.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport banned Nuno Assis for one year on Thursday, upholding WADA’s appeal after his initial six-month doping ban was overturned. The 28-year-old Benfica midfielder was banned by the Portuguese soccer federation in February after testing positive for the steroid nandrolone following his team’s 1-0 win over Maritimo in December 2005.

Srečko Katanec’s F.Y.R. Macedonia side will prepare for their daunting-looking Group E game in Croatia with a visit to Albania for a friendly on 7 February.

AZ Alkmaar have invested in the future by signing 18-year-old Finnish starlets Joona Toivio and Toni Kolehmainen on two-and-a-half year contracts.

Stefano Pioli’s Parma FC have boosted their back line for challenges at home and abroad by signing centre-back Armando Perna from Serie B side Modena FC.

Antonio Cassano looks to be a step nearer leaving Real Madrid after coach Fabio Capello refused to let the Italian striker join in a practice match at the end of training on Wednesday.

Schalke 04 said they had allowed reserve goalkeeper Frank Rost to join Hamburg SV. Only personal terms now hold up a deal worth 800,000 euros ($1.05 million) up front and a further 200,000 euros if Hamburg avoid relegation.

AS Roma have signed striker Francesco Tavano on loan from Valencia for the rest of the season, said the Serie A club. The deal includes an option to buy the 27-year-old from the Spanish side for 10 million euros.