Solkbakken picks up promising Bengtsson

Danish champions FC København have signed left-back Pierre Bengtsson on a four-year contract from Superliga rivals FC Nordsjælland. The 22-year-old becomes the second defensive reinforcement to coach Ståle Solbakken's squad this month, after the arrival of Jos Hooitveld on a six-month loan from Celtic FC.

Bengtsson, a regular with the Sweden Under-21 team, had made 39 league appearances for Nordsjælland in two seasons after arriving in Denmark from AIK Solna. He said: "I am very proud to be joining FC København and being part of Scandinavia's strongest football team. I have seen them many times, and I know that it takes hard work to establish yourself here. I am ready for that, and I am really looking forward to getting started."

Bengtsson featured for Nordsjælland in UEFA Europa League qualifying this term but will be eligible to play for the Copenhagen club in the UEFA Champions League, where they meet Chelsea FC in the round of 16 next month. FCK's director of sport, Carsten V Jensen, said of the new recruit: "Pierre has all the qualities to become an important player at FC København. For a long time we've been able to see his potential, not least when it comes to going forward. The timing for signing Pierre now is perfect."