Fulham have pipped West Ham and Wolves in the race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell.
The 28-year-old appeared set to join the Hammers after undergoing a medical and holding talks at Upton Park recently, but it emerged earlier this week that the former Reading and Chelsea man had met with Wolves to discuss a possible switch.
However, Fulham have now confirmed they have paid an undisclosed fee for Sidwell, who joins on an initial six-month deal which could be extended through to 2014.
Sidwell told the Cottagers’ official website: “I'm delighted that my move to Fulham has been finalised, and I'm looking forward to training with the squad and help the club make steady progress up the table in the second half of the season.
“I'd also like to thank Jez Moxley, and Mick McCarthy in particular, at Wolverhampton Wanderers for being so understanding in my desire to return to London and to play for Fulham.”
Fulham boss Mark Hughes added: “He is a player whose career I have followed for a while now, and there was a deal in place to bring him in prior to when I arrived.
“At that time I just didn't think it was the moment to make it happen because I was new to the club.
“But he has been in my thoughts ever since, and when the opportunity to sign him in the January transfer window presented itself we moved quickly knowing there was a possibility he might go somewhere else.
“His intention was that he always wanted to come to Fulham - this was his first choice and we are delighted to have him on board.
“He is a young man who wants to get his career back on track and start playing football again. He has a good reputation in the game and is well admired.”