Xavier signs for Roma

Roma have signed Portugal defender Abel Xavier.

The former Liverpool and Everton full back has been on trial at Stadio Olimpico

Roma boss Luigi Delneri has been suitably impressed with the flamboyant stopper, and has handed him a contract with the Serie A side.

Former Galatasaray man Xavier has been without a club since leaving German side Hannover, and had been close to a return to England.

The 32-year-old has trained with Bolton, while he was also close to moves to Blackburn Rovers and Southampton, but neither deal materialised.

Xavier has previously played in Italy during a brief spell at Bari, but is now set for a longer stint in Serie A.