Thursday 31 January 2019 22:28, UK
Fulham have signed Hoffenheim's Havard Nordtveit on loan until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old, who can play at centre-back or in midfield, joined Hoffenheim in 2017 from West Ham.
Nordtveit spent five years at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he made 187 appearances, after his time at Arsenal.
Nordtveit has 45 caps for Norway, and made his senior international debut aged 20 in a side captained by former Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland.
Nordtveit told Fulham's official website: "I'm really happy to have the opportunity to come back to the Premier League and hopefully help Fulham to a safe place. That would be something that I would put high on my list in my career.
"The situation Fulham is in now, it's more or less the same that Borussia Mönchengladbach was in when I went to them from Arsenal.
"They were down the bottom of the table, a much worse situation, eight points off a safe place, and we made it. It's a feeling that I want again because it's a feeling you can't get anywhere else, just on a football pitch.
"I haven't spoken to Brede about coming here but he is a good friend of mine. Of course, nothing would make me more happy than if I could fill half of his boots.
"He had a great career here. That's a guy to look up to. Hopefully, I can make some good moments, like he did in a Fulham shirt."
Fulham are currently second bottom in the Premier League, having won four games this season.
Vice-chairman Tony Khan added: "Havard is a talented defender. He's versatile and intelligent, has extensive international and top-tier league experience, and he comes recommended as an excellent team-mate.
"His scouting profile and his data profile are both excellent, and he arrives with the support of our manager. I believe this is a smart loan for Fulham, and we look forward to welcoming Havard to our squad. Come on Fulham!"
