Dortmund swoop for defender Friedrich

Borussia Dortmund have snapped up former German international defender Manuel Friedrich on a free transfer following injuries to Mats Hummels and Neven Subotić.

The 34-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the summer, has penned a deal running until the season's close. "It will be an amazing experience to play in this stadium with the backing of the fans. I am looking forward to what should be a great time with Dortmund," said Friedrich, who has been training with the Bundesliga side for two weeks.

"He's made a very good impression here and has a lot of experience," added sporting director Michael Zorc. Former 1. FSV Mainz 05 centre-back Friedrich will help plug the gap left by Hummels – ruled out until January after tearing ligaments in his right heel – and Subotić, who has been sidelined for at least six months with cruciate knee ligament damage.