Vogel signs deal with Blackburn

Vogel captained Switzerland at the 2006 World Cup finals

Blackburn Rovers have signed Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel after a successful trial spell.

The 31-year-old, who was released by Spanish side Real Betis in December 2007, had been training with Rovers since the beginning of March.

Subject to international clearance, Vogel has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the option of a further year.

Vogel, who has 94 Swiss caps, began his career with Grasshoppers and has also played for PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan.

606: DEBATE I think he'll be a very decent player for us. Sparky has made very few bad signings, as evident from our starting 16 nowadays Biggie_Shmin

He joined Betis in August 2006 but was allowed to leave following a legal dispute.

Vogel has previously been targeted by Manchester United and Everton, and was also linked with a move to Sunderland when he became a free agent.