West Ham land Czech defender

West Ham United have landed Czech Republic defender Radoslav Kovac from Spartak Moscow on loan until the end of the season. The loan move might be later made a permanent one worth £3m in the summer.

West Ham United has announced signing Spartak Moscow defender, Radoslav Kovac on loan. He snubbed an offer from Celtic to sign for the Hammers.

Kovac joined Spartak Moscow in 2005 from Sparta Prague. He had appeared for his country in World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008.

The tall - 6ft 3in - 29 year old is highly rated in his country and could be a valuable player for the Hammers.

Kovac said that it was the Premier League that interested him, West Ham United already have two Czech Republic players.

"The last decision was for me to choose West Ham over Celtic but my decision was because of the Premier League.

"West Ham love Czechs, they already have Jan Lastuvka and Marek Stech in their squad. "

Kovac plays as a holding midfielder usually, but his heading and tackling skills could make him a good defender too. Zola needs a midfielder who can do the "organize" the midfield and deliver passes to the wingers. West Ham has talented players with flair, Kovac could add the strength and control they need in the midfield or defence.