Hildebrand heads south to Valencia

Valencia CF are to sign Germany goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand on a free transfer after his departure from Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart.

Cañizares competition
The 28-year-old, who has been offered a three-year contract, will provide fierce competition for Valencia No1 Santiago Cañizares. Hildebrand has spent his entire career at Stuttgart, having made his debut in the 1999/00 season. He was established as first choice by the following campaign and went on to make 221 Bundesliga appearances. Capped five times by his country, Hildebrand is the latest new face at the Mestalla Stadium alongside striker Ángel Javier Arizmendi while David Albelda, David Silva and Rubén Baraja have all agreed new deals this summer. While Hildebrand's former club Stuttgart are confirmed in the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League, Valencia will need to win a third qualifying round tie next month to ensure their involvement.