Nordsjælland's Bjelland takes up Twente 'challenge'

Andreas Bjelland is looking forward to "a major challenge every week" after agreeing to sign for FC Twente from FC Nordsjælland for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Danish international is to join the Dutch Cup holders on 1 July 2012 after agreeing terms on a four-year deal with the Enschede outfit. "I am happy about my move to FC Twente," said Bjelland. "This is a new step in my career and the chance to prove myself. Twente are a club where there is a major challenge every week. They have been following me closely for a long time and know what kind of person I am. That interest made me feel good."

"By signing Andreas Bjelland, FC Twente have looked at the future," added Twente coach Co Adriaanse. "With Douglas, [Peter] Wisgerhof and [Rasmus] Bengtsson, we have three experienced central defenders and we wanted a fourth player to have all positions covered."

Bjelland took his first steps in the professional game with Lyngby BK and joined Nordsjælland in 2009, going on to lift the Danish Cup twice. Capped three times by Denmark, he helped his country qualify for UEFA EURO 2012 by playing all 90 minutes of their decisive 2-1 Group H victory against Portugal last month.

The Tukkers lie second in the Eredivisie standings and top of UEFA Europa League Group K with ten points from four matches.