Blackburn have completed the signing of Holland defender Andre Ooijer from PSV Eindhoven. The two clubs agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £2million, for the 32-year-old today.
Ooijer completed a medical and signed a two-year deal at Ewood Park on Wednesday afternoon with the option of adding a third year.
The Dutchman can play at right-back or centre-half and was one of Rovers manager Mark Hughes' main targets. He was part of the Dutch team which recently humiliated the Republic of Ireland 4-0 at Lansdowne Road.
His departure from PSV was virtually guaranteed when he made himself unavailable for last weekend's match against NEC Nijmegen.
Coach Ronald Koeman explained the player's absence from that match by saying of Ooijer: "He indicated he was not mentally fit and felt incapable of playing."
Ooijer becomes Blackburn's fifth summer signing, joining Jason Brown, Francis Jeffers, Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy at the club.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Kakha Kaladze, who is reportedly on his way out of AC Milan. Reports in the Italian press suggest the Georgia international is ready to leave the San Siro.
The versatile defender has informed coach Carlo Ancelotti he is seeking regular first-team football and this could alert the attention of the Premiership's biggest clubs.
Kaladze has been a long-term target for Chelsea and Manchester United while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also expected to make enquiries after admitting he is seeking an experienced defender.
Yesterday the Gunners boss confirmed they have made an offer for William Gallas but revealed the Frenchman was not the only target. PA
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