Cottagers snap up Cologne ace

Martin Jol has swooped to take FC Cologne's right-back Sascha Riether to Fulham on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal.

The 29-year-old, who started his senior career at SC Freiburg in 2002 where he made 139 appearances in five seasons, moved onto Wolfsburg in 2007.
Riether spent four seasons with Wolfsburg, where he won the Bundesliga title and played in both the Champions League and Europa League, where he lined up against 2010 finalists Fulham in two matches.
Riether, who also has two international appearances for Germany under his belt, spent just last term with the relegated Cologne but he is delighted at the prospect of playing in the Premier League with the Cottagers.
He told the club's website: "I feel very pleased to have signed. 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."