AFC Ajax have bolstered their defence with the signing of Henri Toivomäki on a two-year deal.

Toivomäki, 19, has been a free agent since his FC Lahti contract expired in the winter and has now put pen to paper to terms which will keep him in Amsterdam until June 2013. Ajax have an option to extend his stay by a further two years. "My speed is one of my strengths," said the right-back after impressing on trial. "Besides that, my passing is one of my best qualities.

"Jari Litmanen was my team-mate at Lahti last season. It was very useful to have such a contact. If there's someone from Finland who knows a lot about Ajax, it is Jari. He told me that for young players Ajax is a great club, especially because they get the chance to develop." Ajax face RSC Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, with the first leg in Belgium on 17 February and the return the following week.