Leverkusen on Kaluzny course

International class
The UEFA Champions League challengers will pay between €1.5m and €2m for the experienced defender who has made 35 appearances for the Polish national side as they aim to fill the gap left by Nowotny's second serious cruciate ligament injury in a year.

Just in time
The 28-year-old has joined Leverkusen just ahead of the closing of the European transfer window, but since his transfer was not completed until after midday today, he will not be eligible to play in his new side's 1. Bundesliga game against BV Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.

Versatile player
Kaluzny had been under contract with Cottbus until 2004, although Leverkusen have yet to reveal the nature of the deal that he has now signed at the BayArena. He is also capable of playing in midfield, although defensive duties will be more useful until the totemic Nowotny returns from injury.

Dreadful luck
The German international defender is expected to be out of action for eight months after tearing the cruciate ligament in his right knee during Leverkusen's 3-0 defeat against Cottbus on Saturday. He was playing in his first game back after returning from a nine-month absence with an almost identical injury.

European prospects
Meanwhile, the former Wisla Kraków player will be available to cover for Nowotny as Leverkusen resume their Champions League challenge on February. Klaus Toppmöller's side travel to Newcastle United FC as they aim to get their first points of the second group stage and mount a challenge to Group A leaders FC Barcelona and Juventus FC.