Valencia swoop for Lyon's Cissokho

UEFA Champions League hopefuls Valencia CF have announced the capture of French international full-back Aly Cissokho from Olympique Lyonnais.

Cissokho, 24, has agreed terms on a four-year deal with Mauricio Pellegrino's side and has cost the Mestalla club a reported fee of €6m. Valencia sporting director Braulio Vázquez sees Cissokho as the perfect replacement for Jordi Alba who left for FC Barcelona earlier this summer.

"Aly has significant experience having played at the top level in the Champions League as well as gaining a cap for France," he said. "He is physically and defensively very strong and, along with Jérémy Mathieu, will increase the competition for places in our team, especially down the left side."

Cissokho rose to prominence in the Portuguese top flight where he made 28 appearances for Vitória FC and FC Porto in 2008/09. A €15m switch to Lyon followed for the defender who managed one goal in 93 Ligue 1 games over three full seasons with Les Gones.

The former French Cup winner joins fellow newcomers Nelson Valdez, Andrés Guardado, João Pereira, Fernando Gago and Sergio Canales at a new-look Valencia who opened their Liga campaign with a 1-1 draw at title holders Real Madrid CF last weekend. Pellegrino's team begin their UEFA Champions League challenge from the group stage.