Transfer talk: Serie A strugglers Parma sign Varela, Rodriguez

Parma, joint bottom of Serie A alongside Cesena, have signed Uruguay midfielder Cristian Rodriguez and Portugal forward Silvestre Varela, both on loan, the club said on Tuesday.

Rodriguez, who has played for Uruguay at two Copa America tournaments and the 2014 World Cup, joined from Atletico Madrid, where he has made only six league appearances this season, all as a substitute.

The former Paris St Germain, Benfica and Porto player has not previously played in Serie A.

Varela, who like Rodriguez is 29, has been loaned by Porto, having spent the first half of the season at English Premier League West Bromwich Albion, where he scored one goal in seven league appearances.

Parma have mustered only nine points in 19 games so far, with three wins, one draw and 15 defeats, and are nine adrift of safety. They were deducted one point in December for falling foul of Serie A financial regulations.

Roberto Donadoni's team, who finished sixth in Serie A last season, also missed out on the Europa League for not meeting UEFA's club licensing criteria.

Bordeaux agree deal to sign Sweden striker Kiese Thelin

Girondins Bordeaux have reached a "verbal agreement" with Malmo FF to buy Sweden striker Isaac Kiese Thelin, the Swedish champions announced on Tuesday.

"After discussions between the two clubs, Malmo FF have decided to accept a bid from FC Girondins de Bordeaux for Isaac Kiese Thelin," the Swedish club said in a statement.

"The clubs have made a verbal agreement and Isaac Kiese Thelin will meet FC Girondins de Bordeaux tomorrow."

The 22-year-old forward shot to prominence during a six-month spell at Malmo, who he joined from Norrkoping last year.

He scored five goals in 14 games as Malmo won the league title and played a key role as they became the first Swedish team to reach Champions League group stage in 14 years.

Kiese Thelin was rewarded with a call-up to Erik Hamren's Sweden squad, making his debut against Montenegro in November.

Malmo did not give any details of the transfer fee or length of contract.

Image: Cristian Rodriguez

Photograph: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images