August 31 2004

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have signed Inter Milan duo Gonzalo Sorondo and Nicola Ventola on a season-long loan.

Striker Ventola began his career as trainee with Bari in 1994, and spent four seasons there before moving to Inter in 1998.

After six goals in 21 appearances, he went on loan to Bologna the following season, then on loan again at Atalanta in 2000, before re-joining Inter in 2001.

He represented Inter in the Uefa Cup in 2001/02 and Champions League in 2002/03. The 26-year-old had a torrid time with injury and found it hard to replace Vieri, Crespo, Recoba and Kallon in the pecking order in the Inter attack.

He was on loan at Siena last season where he scored four goals in 28 games.

Defender Sorondo, 24, has 21 caps for Uruguay, having featured in their recent World Cup qualifiers.

He was on loan at Belgian's Standard Liege last season after finding it difficult to hold a regular place in the Inter team after his move from Uruguayan side Defensor Sporting in 2002.