PSV snare versatile Simons

Belgian influence
The 28-year-old, who can also play in central defence, signed a four-year deal today after the clubs agreed a fee thought to be between €4m and €5m for a player who has 37 international caps. "PSV have had some Belgian players in the past, who have all spoken positively about their time here and I told Brugge I was eager to make the move," said Simons, referring to the likes of Erik Gerets, Luc Nilis and Marc Degryse.

'Step up'
PSV reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season and will enter the 2005/06 edition at the group stage. "The ambition of this club is the same as mine - to play at the very top in Europe," added Simons, who was under contract with Brugge until 2008. "Personally, I feel I have taken a step up coming to PSV." The Dutch double winners recently signed midfield duo Mika Väyrynen and Osmar Ferreyra to compensate for the loss of Johann Vogel and Mark van Bommel.