Lille sign Rozehnal on loan

French Ligue 1 club Lille signed experienced Czech international defender David Rozehnal on a one season loan from Bundesliga side Hamburg on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old – capped 63 times and a member of the Czech Republic side that won the European Under-21 championship in 2002 – replaces Nicolas Plestan, who moved to Hamburg’s rivals Schalke 04 on Tuesday.

Lille said in a statement that they had signed Rozehnal – who has previous experience in France with Paris Saint Germain from 2005-07 – by his physical qualities and especially his vast experience across the European leagues.

As well as PSG Rozehnal – who began his career with Sigma Olomouc – has played for Belgian side Bruges, English Premier League outfit Newcastle United and in Serie A with Lazio.

He signed a three year contract with Hamburg last year, playing 23 times for them and scoring once.

He is Lille’s second signing since the end of last season after they signed striker Moussa Sow from rivals Rennes.

Lille have yet to lose this season having drawn all four of their matches.