Soccer – Transfer news:West Ham have added Nigeria international Victor Obinna to their ranks on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old joins from European champions Inter Milan having spent last season on loan with Spanish side Malaga.
He becomes the club's sixth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Thomas Hitzlsperger, Tal Ben Haim, Winston Reid, Pablo Barrera and Frederic Piquionne.
The Hammers' deal for Obinna includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Obinna made two appearances for Nigeria in the 2010 World Cup, where the Super Eagles failed to get out of a group containing Argentina, South Korea and Greece.
He joined Inter in the summer of 2008 from another Italian club, Chievo.
Benjani poised to join Blackburn
Former Manchester City striker Benjani looks poised to join Blackburn. Benjani, who is a free agent, has been training with the squad in the hope of securing a deal.
Speaking ahead of the match against Arsenal on Saturday, manager Sam Allardyce said: "We are trying to sign him on a contract because of his wealth of experience.
"He has trained with us a few days. He has shown us that we think he will be okay to play for us in the Premier League. So we are trying to sort something out."
Ben Arfa to travel to Newcastle
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Marseille ace Hatem Ben Arfa, according to the French club.
A move was mooted was earlier this month, but the deal stalled over the price of the option to buy the winger if he impressed during his loan spell.
Ben Arfa is keen to leave Marseille and refused to train with the club to try and force a move away from Stade Velodrome.
Werder Bremen were thought to be favourites for the Frenchman's signature, but now Newcastle have jumped to the head of the queue for the 23-year-old.
Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has confirmed they have agreed a deal with Newcastle for Ben Arfa with the winger due to fly in for talks.
"He will travel to Newcastle tomorrow," said Dassier. "They have offered to raise the price for the option-to-buy if Hatem plays 25 matches and also pay the five per cent of the cost to Fifa.
"We will respond. After that it's up to Hatem to agree a deal. We have to finish this story as soon as possible."
Speaking today, Newcastle manager Chris Hughton said: "What I can tell you is there have been some discussions with Ben Arfa which are very much ongoing and hopefully, that's something that can be done."
However, any deal could yet rest on whether or not the player is prepared to accept the wage packet on offer at St James' Park.
Blackpool sign Varney in loan deal
Blackpool have confirmed the signing of Luke Varney on a season-long loan from Derby.