Fulham grabs Reither on loan

The 29-year-old has made two appearances for the German national team and joins the Cottagers from Cologne, who was recently relegated from the Bundesliga.

Riether has signed on loan until the end of the season and Fulham has an option to make the move permanent at the end of that period.

"I feel very pleased to have signed," Riether said.

"It feels like I've had a long break from football and for me this is a new experience in a new country.

"Fulham is a good club, a big club with a big tradition and for me it's great to be here.

"I played here one time with Wolfsburg and I remember Craven Cottage being a great stadium with great fans, and I hope I can go on to have a great season here."

Riether, who can also operate in midfield, spent last season at Cologne after joining from Wolfsburg.

The defender began his career 10 years ago at Freiburg, where he made 139 appearances over five seasons.

Riether then went onto enjoy four seasons at Wolfsburg, helping it to the Bundesliga crown in 2008/09 before joining Cologne.

The Lahr-born player's arrival helps shore up the Cottagers' defence as last season's regulars at right-back, Stephen Kelly and Zdenek Grygera, are both out of contract.