Cech completes Rennes move

Peter Cech, the outstanding AC Sparta Praha and Czech Republic goalkeeper, has moved to Stade Rennais FC.

Impressive displays
The 20-year-old excelled in the UEFA Champions League for Sparta last season before underlining his status as one of the finest young goalkeepers in Europe with a series of impressive displays as the Czechs lifted the UEFA European Under-21 Championship crown in Switzerland in May.

Audacious move
Cech will fly to Paris on Wednesday before undergoing a medical at the Route de Lorient stadium on Thursday. No fee has been reported but it is though to be in the region of €5m. A number of clubs, including Arsenal FC in England and the Italian side S.S. Lazio, were reportedly on the keeper's trail but Rennes have been rewarded for an audacious move with the giant youngster's signature.

Unexpected chance
The deal for Cech, who has signed a four-year contract, was completed in the Austrian town of Seefeld, the home of Sparta's pre-season training camp. Cech began last season as a reserve at the Letná stadium following a €700,000 move from FK Chmel Blšany, but soon established himself as Sparta's No1 after being handed an unexpected first-team chance three rounds into the championship.

Final heroics
It was not long before Cech was breaking records - his 1120 minutes of football without conceding a goal in the 1. liga, Champions League and under-21 qualifying setting a new Czech benchmark. Cech made his debut for the national team against Cyprus in February, but reserved his best for the final of the European Under-21 Championship, saving two penalties in a shoot-out defeat of France.