Valencia move for free agent Guardado

Valencia CF continued their early-summer strengthening with the confirmation that Mexico midfielder Andrés Guardado would be moving to Mestalla after seeing out his contract with RC Deportivo La Coruña.

Having previously announced the arrival of new coach Mauricio Pellegrino along with Portugal full-back João Pereira, the Liga side moved to secure the services of the 25-year-old Guardado whose last act with Depor was to help the team win promotion back to the Spanish top flight.

"It's a dream come true to know I will play in the Champions League," Guardado said after agreeing a four-year-deal. "The demands here will be higher. There are many great international players and a lot of competition for places which will obviously help me to improve."

A scorer of 13 goals in 78 appearances for Mexico, Guardado spent five seasons at Deportivo following a move from FC Atlas. Valencia will enter next season's UEFA Champions League at the group stage having ended the 2011/12 campaign in third place.