Football news: Hamburg beat off English clubs to sign up van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy has been linked with a host of clubs recently in a bid to secure more playing time, with Stoke, West Ham and Tottenham just three of the clubs that were interested in the former Manchester United striker. But Hamburg have confirmed they have won the race to sign the 33-year-old.

Van Nistelrooy played 68 times for Real since 2006, scoring 46 goals. He has also been capped 64 times for the Netherlands.

Motherwell sign McGlinchey

MOTHERWELL interim manager Craig Brown has made his first signing by securing New Zealand international Michael McGlinchey but fears he could lose talented midfielder Paul Slane to Celtic. Brown said: "We have made (Slane] an offer. The whisper is that Celtic have made him a better one."

The better news for Motherwell fans is that former Celtic youngster McGlinchey will be joining from Australian side Central Coast Mariners until the end of the season.

"McGlinchey has played exceptionally well in Australia," Brown said. "He is an attacking midfielder and will be a great addition for us when he arrives in the second week of February. He has played for New Zealand recently, so we're signing a World Cup player."

Tokely has sights set higher

ROSS Tokely has thrown his Inverness Caley Thistle future into doubt – just as he celebrates his 500th appearance for the club. The uncompromising defender reached the rare landmark yesterdayat Airdrie but revealed his 14th season in Inverness could be his last.

Tokely, 31, said: "In the summer, I felt I had to stay and try to get Caley Thistle back up to the SPL. That's what I'm here for, but I'm not going to lie. I would, and I do, have the desire to play at a higher level next year whether it's with the club or not. I'm out of contract and it's something I have thought about because, if I don't, I know I might regret it. I'm not being disrespectful to the club, but I'm still young and feel like I can do a job, wherever that may be."

Senderos on loan to Everton

EVERTON have agreed a deal with Arsenal to bring in defender Philippe Senderos on loan until the end of the season. The 24-year-old Swiss international was linked with a loan move to Celtic last week but manager Tony Mowbray dismissed this prospect.

Buckie consolidate top spot

BUCKIE Thistle stayed three points ahead of champions Cove Rangers at the top of the Highland League after a 3-0 home win over new boys Turriff United. Lewis Mackinnon put the Jags 1-0 up after 31 minutes and, after the break, Donnie Munro made it two before Craig MacMillan notched the third.

Cove Rangers kept up the pressure with a 2-0 win over battling visitors Fort William. Danny Milne tapped home from close range after 14 minutes and an Eric Watson header secured the win with eight minutes left.