By George Georgakopoulos

Olympiakos made two significant additions to its midfield this week by acquiring Jean Makoun and Pablo Orbaiz on loan, according to a statement.

Cameroon international defensive midfielder Makoun signed a loan deal with Olympiakos on August 29, as he felt he was not among Alex McLeish's priorities for the Aston Villa midfield.

Olympiakos reserves a buyout option after the end of the loan period, according to the statement issued by the Piraeus club.

"I thank the Olympiakos family who did all they could to bring me here. I feel really good about the way I was received in Greece and about the fans who came here. One thing is left now, and that is plenty of work,» said Makoun, sporting the No 77 jersey, which Albert Riera wore last season.

On August 30, meanwhile, Olympiakos added Orbaiz to their roster, again on a one-season loan, according to a statement by the player's owner, Athletic Bilbao.

The 32-year-old Basque is also a holding midfielder, who has played four times with the Spanish national team. He will be presented on August 31, along with former Kavala winger Djamel Abdoun.

In the meantime, the Reds have offloaded Dennis Rommedahl, who appears destined for Brondby in his native Denmark, and Moises Hurtado, who is close to signing for new La Liga boys Granada.