Swansea City have taken former Reading midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson on loan from TSG Hoffenheim for the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old joined the German club from Reading in August 2010 for a £6m fee.

The Iceland international told his new club’s official website: “I’m really pleased that agreement has been reached between the clubs and it is a dream is true for me to get into the Premier League.”

He added: “I first heard of interested Swansea when I came home to Christmas and the last few days have been ongoing negotiations between Hoffenheim and Swansea.

“I follow very closely the Premiership and I have both seen and heard to Swansea play good football. It does not surprise me because I played under manager Brendan Rodgers at Reading and he wants his team plays the ball from the last man.”

Sunderland have appointed former Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill as Steve Bruce’s successor.

Former Manchester United defender Bruce was fired on the 30th of November due his side’s lack of form.

O’Neill told his new club’s official website: “It’s a very nice feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of Sunderland. It’s a big moment for me.

“I’d heard about what a good club it was but coming here, seeing the stadium and training ground, I’ve been bowled over. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“I hope I can help Sunderland to very successful period. That’s what I’ve come for and that’s my driving ambition.”

After being away with England on international duty, Scott Parker has spoken about his move from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur, which took place on transfer deadline day.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who reportedly cost Spurs £5m, told his new club’s official website: “It’s evident how much the club has progressed.

“Tottenham have always been a very big club in terms of the players they’ve attracted and the way they’ve played, that certain style of football.

“It’s a fantastic club and over the last few years there have been some very big players here. The club is only going in one direction and I’m delighted to be part of it now. Hopefully I can add something as well.”

The Football Writers Association’s Footballer of the Year for 2010/11 added: “Things have gone really well for me over the last few years, especially over the last year.

“I’ve broken into the England team and last season, although we eventually got relegated, on a personal level I played some of the best football I’ve played.

“My main target is always to keep fit and then to try and force my way into the team here, try to stay in there and help the team as much as I can.

“I hope my qualities, which might be different to other players here, can bring something different to the team and add to it, that we can move up the league and have a good season.”

Brighton have made a surprising capture in Spanish international Vicente Rodriguez.

The 30-year-old had been a free agent after being released by Valencia, but has today signed a one-year contract with the English Championship club.

Brighton manager Gus Poyet told his club’s official website: “Vicente is the special player we wanted. He has great qualities in terms of his ability and flexibility to play in a range of different positions, so plenty of quality.

“He also brings a great experience having played at the top level for the last ten years with Valencia, including the Champions League, Uefa Cup and international football with Spain.

“Throughout his career, he has always attracted great interest from top clubs across Europe so this is a major coup to bring him to the Amex.

“I am sure the supporters will have seen him in action in La Liga or in the Champions League and will be very excited by the prospect of seeing him in a Brighton & Hove Albion shirt.”

Vicente said: “It’s a new chapter for me. I had a very good career at Valencia where I won trophies with the team and individually, and played 40 times for Spain, but I’m very motivated to begin a new part of my career here in England.

“Playing in England is something I’ve wanted to do. I’ve achieved a lot, but for many years I’ve watched the Premier League and followed English football. It’s very important that Brighton has given me that chance to start playing again.

“I hope to play very well and to help the team get into the best position this season; then if possible, become a Premier League player with this club.”

He added: “I’m happy to be here and now I have a very good chance to play in England. The confidence that I get from Gus Poyet and the chairman [Tony Bloom] is very important to me.

“I spoke to Gus and he explained the kind of offensive, attacking football that Brighton play. That suits me and I feel very confident here.

“Yesterday when I went on to the pitch at the stadium I was really happy and convinced that I want to play games for Brighton.

“Last season I was fit but didn’t play much for Valencia because the coach selected other players, but I’m motivated to play here. Hopefully I will become an important player for Brighton and I want to bring success for the fans.

“It’s very important that together with Gus, his team of coaches and the other players, we reach the Premier League together.”