Šimůnek checks in at Wolfsburg

VfL Wolfsburg have signed one of the Czech Republic's most talented young footballers, AC Sparta Praha central defender Jan Šimůnek, in a deal reportedly worth €5m.

World Cup
The 20-year-old has moved to the Bundesliga club on a contract until 2011, having been part of the Czech squad that finished runners-up to Argentina at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup. He had previously represented his country at U19 and U17 levels. Šimůnek made his Sparta debut in May 2005 against FK Mladá Boleslav, but only established himself while on loan at SK Kladno last term. Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath, who was keen to bring in a centre-back with Ricardo Costa injured, said: "We're happy to sign a player with such a bright future."