Mexican pair join Stuttgart

Stuttgart have clinched deals for Mexico duo Ricardo Osorio and Pavel Pardo.

Stuttgart have clinched deals for Mexico's World Cup duo Ricardo Osorio and Pavel Pardo.

Both players impressed for Mexico in the tournament and have been handed deals to stay in Germany after the finals.

Osorio (pictured) has signed a four-year deal with Stuttgart and joins from Cruz Azul, while Pardo has agreed on a three-year contract to move from Club America.

Pardo shone in a central midfield role for Mexico before injury forced him out of the first half of the second round defeat to Argentina.

Versatile defender Osorio also caught the eye and Stuttgart coach Armin Veh is delighted to bring in the pair.

"I am certain this pair will further improve the quality of our team," Veh told the club's official website.

Stuttgart's general manager Horst Heldt was equally happy with the recruits and alluded to playing Pardo in defence.

Heldt said: "We have signed two top-class and experienced defenders.

"We have been watching both for a long time, particularly at the Confederations Cup last summer, and are absolutely convinced of their qualities."