Birmingham striker Walter Pandiani is set to make his English Premiership debut against Southampton tonight after signing from Deportivo La Coruna until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old Uruguayan signed with minutes of the transfer window remaining, becoming Steve Bruce's seventh signing in January - although it is as yet unclear if there is the possibility of a permanent move.

"The transfer came very late, and we had to get people out of bed," said Blues boss Bruce.

"We didn't think it was going to be possible at one stage. I heard yesterday afternoon that he was on the verge of a move to Fiorentina, but somehow that went by the wayside. This is a big name and a big player in Spain. He's a very, very good striker."

Pandiani has an impressive goal-scoring record in La Liga, but has been out of favour at the Riazor since a dispute with boss Javier Irureta.

Bobo Balde has signed a new 4½-year contract with Celtic, with the free signing from Toulouse in 2001 insisting his heart - and not his head - had made the decision for him.

Middlesbrough and other clubs had offered the 29-year-old more money to leave, but the cult-figure opted to stay at Parkhead. "My heart has been with Celtic for some time and that was a big factor in my decision," Balde said.

After finalising last-ditch deals for Andy Reid and Michael Dawson, Tottenham sporting director Frank Arnesen has expressed his personal relief that Tottenham's key men will be staying at the club.

England striker Jermain Defoe and captain Ledley King had been linked with moves to Chelsea and Arsenal. But both remain in the Tottenham camp, as does Wales winger Simon Davies. "I have to say that we are very satisfied with how it has gone," said Arnesen. "We haven't lost any key players, and that's important."

Finally, European champions Porto have named Portuguese Pedro Couceiro as coach to replace Victor Fernandez. The 42-year-old has quit Portuguese club Vitoria Setubal to take the Porto job.