Football in brief: Drogba to join Galatasaray

The former Chelsea striker will join the Turkish giants from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on an 18-month deal. His representatives revealed on Twitter that the Ivory Coast international would join his new side following the Africa Cup of Nations. Drogba’s capture follows Gala’s signing of Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan last week.

Hutton loan move to Real Mallorca

Aston Villa’s out-of-favour defender Alan Hutton is on the verge of a move to Primera Division side Real Mallorca. Scotland international Hutton has not featured for the Midlands club this term, but is poised to move on an initial loan deal, pending a medical. Villa confirmed on their official website that the full-back will remain with the Balearic Islands side until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal being concluded over the summer.

Tykes sign Scotland on short-term deal

BARNSLEY have signed former Ipswich striker Jason Scotland until the end of the season. The 33-year-old, who also counts Dundee, St Johnstone, Swansea and Wigan as his former clubs, will go straight into David Flitcroft’s squad for tonight’s home league game against Millwall. The Trinidad and Tobago international left Ipswich last week after making close to 100 appearances and scoring 21 goals.

Twente’s Fer on his way to Everton

EVERTON manager David Moyes is poised to complete his first capture of the January transfer window after he reached a deal with FC Twente for the signing of midfielder Leroy Fer. The Netherlands international is due on Merseyside to discuss personal teams and have a medical ahead of an £8.6 million (e10m) move, which will go some way towards easing Moyes’ frustration in the transfer market.

Spurs secure Holtby six months early

Lewis Holtby has completed his dream move to Tottenham, six months ahead of schedule. Spurs announced earlier this month that they had beaten a host of top European clubs to the Bosman signing of Holtby, but the 22-year-old hinted he would be willing to move in January, rather than at the end of the contract. Schalke initially seemed reluctant, rejecting two bids fromSpurs, but a fee, believed to be around £1.25 million, has been agreed.