Olympiakos’ signing

PIRAEUS: Greek champions Olympiakos Piraeus announced on Thursday that they have signed for the rest of this season Democratic Republic of Congo national team striker Lomana Tresos LuaLua. The club did not reveal financial details of the deal but said that there is an option on the contract for an additional two years. LuaLua, 29, had previously played for Olympiakos during the 2007-2008 season and also played for Al-Arabi (2008-2009), Portsmouth FC (2004-2007), Newcastle United (2000-2004) and Colchester United (1998-2000). He has 31 caps, scoring 18 goals, for the Democratic Republic of Congo national team.

CSKA acquire Honda

TOKYO: CSKA Moscow have acquired Japan international Keisuke Honda from VVV Venlo, as the Russian giants look to boost their squad ahead of the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, reports said on Friday. The 23-year-old midfielder signed an estimated $12.9 million, four-year contract, Jiji Press and other news media said. Known as a dead-ball specialist with a tough physical presence, Honda has scored 24 goals in 67 games for Venlo since joining the Dutch outfit in January 2008, following four seasons with J-League side Nagoya Grampus. He has also scored three goals in 10 games for Japan since making his international debut in June 2008 during World Cup qualifying.

McCarthy eyes WC

LONDON: South Africa star Benni McCarthy is ready to leave Blackburn Rovers during the January transfer window to boost his chances of representing his country on home soil at the 2010 World Cup finals. The 32-year-old forward, who joined the English Premier League side from Portuguese club Porto for £2.5 million in July 2006, feels he is becoming a peripheral figure at Ewood Park under manager Sam Allardyce. “I’m just unhappy with my situation and need to feel wanted again,” said McCarthy. “This is a very big year for me. To come from South Africa and have the chance to play for my country in the World Cup is massive. I need to play and I hope they will allow me to fulfil that dream,” McCarthy added.