Fulham swoop for defender Leijer

Fulham have completed the signing Melbourne Victory defender Adrian Leijer on a three-year contract.

The 21-year-old is the latest addition to manager Lawrie Sanchez's squad in a hectic summer of rebuilding.

Leijer said: "It's just a fantastic opportunity for me to join a club in the English Premier League.

"Now that I've got this opportunity, all I can do is continue to work as hard as I can to make sure I make the most of it."

Leijer had an unsuccessful trial with Everton as a youngster, but has rebuilt his career in the A-League.

He said: "My time with Melbourne Victory has helped me develop as a player and has now provided me with this outstanding opportunity.

"I'd like to thank the Victory coach Ernie Merrick and everyone associated with Melbourne Victory.

"The club has been good to me, not only over the last two years, but also the last couple of weeks with the way they helped make this deal happen."

Victory CEO Geoff Miles said: "Adrian has been a terrific player for Melbourne Victory, and has also represented Australia with distinction at international level.

"He's a true ambassador both on and off the pitch and this move is a great acknowledgement for his hard work and talent as a footballer."

Source: BBC Sport