Safri signs for Coventry

Safri played in the World Club Championship

Coventry have taken their contingent of Moroccan internationals back up to two, with the £700,000 signing of Youssef Safri.

The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal and will join up with Youssef Chippo, who has stayed at the club despite relegation.

A third international midfielder, Mustapha Hadji, left in the summer to join Aston Villa.

Safri's transfer had hinged on him obtaining a work permit, but he told the official Moroccan news agency MAP that the deal had gone through.

It represents a big coup for Coventry, as Safri has established himself this season in the Morocco team and is very highly rated at home.

Chippo praise

He moves from league champions Raja Casablanca, for whom he played in the inaugural World Club Championship in Brazil last year.

Safri is a similar defensive, ball-winning type of midfielder to Chippo, who says: "I have played next to him in the national team and we have a good understanding.

"He is a very clever player who moves well, passes the ball well and works extremely hard.

"Mainly, he is a defensive player but he can score goals as well and has a good shot with either foot.

"He was named as best player in the Moroccan championship last season and is a better player than me."