Fulham sign Sturm Graz captain

Fulham have confirmed the signing of Sturm Graz captain Michael Madl on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the deal permanent.

The 27-year-old centre-back has made over 100 appearances for the Austrian side in the last four years and earned his first senior call-up to the national side earlier this season.

"I'm very, very happy to be here, and to play for a club like Fulham with so much history and great fans," Madl told the club's official website. "I will give my best to help the team.

"For me it was an easy decision. To get the chance to play for Fulham in the Championship will maybe only come once in your life, so for me it's a dream come true."

The Cottagers are currently just four points above the Championship drop zone and have the division's third-worst defence.