Transfer Watch: Hoops strengthen their defence with Hooiveld

Celtic yesterday completed the signing of the Dutch defender Jos Hooiveld on a three-and-a-half-year contract. The 26-year-old, who is the Hoops' first January signing, has joined from AIK Solna for a fee reportedly in the region of £2m. Hooiveld said: "I'm delighted to sign for a club of Celtic's stature. Celtic has a magnificent history and is a club with great tradition and great supporters."

Pearce recalled early in search of game time

Birmingham City defender Krystian Pearce has been recalled from his loan spell at Peterborough after failing to feature under new manager Mark Cooper. The 20-year-old has only played five games for Posh since joining the Championship side in July and has not figured at all since the departure of Darren Ferguson in November. The centre-half is likely to be sent out on another loan spell to give him more game experience in what would be a fifth loan move for the player in just over two years.

Long shots

Liverpool's interest in Matthew Upson has led West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola to look at Stoke's Robert Huth. The Reds are also nearing a deal to bring Argentinian midfielder Maxi Rodriquez to Anfield from Atletico Madrid. Former Manchester United target Douglas Costa has signed a £5.5m deal with Shakhtar Donetsk, while Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has dismissed rumours of a £5m move for Wigan's Chris Kirkland. Reports of interest from Real Madrid have led Arsenal's Fran Merida to hold contract talks with Arsène Wenger.