Defender Loovens signs for Celtic

Celtic this afternoon announced the signing of Cardiff defender Glenn Loovens on a four-year deal.

The Dutch centre-back, 24, joins after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £3m.

Loovens had been a long-time target of Rangers but opted to join their fierce rivals because of the prospect of Champions League football.

Loovens, who helped Cardiff reach last season's FA Cup final, said on the SPL champions' official website, www.celticfc.net: "It really is a tremendous honour to sign for a club of Celtic's stature.

"I am really looking forward to playing for a team that has such an incredible history and well-known and passionate supporters.

"The club has enjoyed great success in recent years, winning titles and cups in Scotland and doing well in the Champions League.

"I am looking forward to the challenges here and hope to play my part in further honours.

"I just can't wait to get started."

Former Holland U-21 international Loovens, who is hoping to win senior honours in his time at Parkhead, is Celtic's fourth summer signing.

He joins fellow new Bhoys, Georgios Samaras, Pat McCourt and Marc Crosas in Gordon Strachan's first-team squad.