Serie A strugglers Parma have strengthened their squad by signing wingers Silvestre Varela on loan from Porto and Cristian Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid.

Varela, the 29-year-old former Sporting player, has committed to the battle against relegation at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, as bottom side Parma look to close a nine-point gap on 17th place and survive.

Varela joined Premier League club West Brom on a season-long loan deal in August but made only nine appearances, scoring one goal, before the arrangement was cut short on Tuesday.

A statement published on Parma's official website said Varela would wear the No. 26 shirt and he enters contention for a starting berth against 19th-placed Cesena on Sunday.

As coach Roberto Donadoni looks to add more creativity to his shot-shy side, the Crociati also secured the services of Uruguay winger Cristian Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid.