Fulham Seal Gera Signing

Fulham have completed the signing of midfielder Zoltan Gera from West Bromwich Albion after the Hungarian today passed a medical, the London club have confirmed.

The 29-year-old midfielder arrives at Craven Cottage on a free transfer after deciding against signing a new deal with West Brom. The Baggies manager Tony Mowbray told the club's website: "Having offered Zoltan the best contract the club could at this time, we could do no more. We would like to wish Zoltan all the best in his future career. Everyone at Albion appreciated his professionalism on and off the field."

Gera signed for West Brom from Ferencvaros in July 2004 and scored 25 times in 155 appearances, which included 39 as a substitute. His 10 goals from midfield in all competitions last term helped Albion win promotion to the Premier League and reach the FA Cup semi-finals. He has won 53 caps for his country and has often captained them.

Fulham have beaten at least two other interested Premier League contenders for his signature, and he becomes manager Roy Hodgson's third signing of the summer - after goalkeepers Mark Schwarzer on a free from Middlesbrough, and David Stockdale, who joined for a small fee from League Two club Darlington.

Hodgson has promised a succession of new arrivals before the start of a season, having released 10 players at the end of the season including former captain Brian McBride, fellow American defender Carlos Bocanegra, goalkeeper Tony Warner and midfielder Simon Elliott.