Rovers sign Swede

Johansson (r) has Champions League pedigree

Blackburn Rovers have swooped to sign promising Swedish Under-21 international Nils-Eric Johansson for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old left back has joined the Premiership outfit from Bundesliga club Nurnberg on a four-year deal.

Johansson impressed during trials this week and boss Graeme Souness moved swiftly to secure the player's signature, ending his season-long search for a left-sided defender.

I'm very sure Rovers will stay in the top-flight of English football

Nils-Eric Johansson

"He is an extremely talented young player, who I believe has a really bright future," Souness told the club's website.

"We are delighted to have him on board at Ewood Park."

The Stockholm-born youngster had previously played for Bayern Munich in the 1999-2000 season.

He moved to Nurnberg last season and helped them win promotion to Germany's top-flight.

And Johansson is hoping to help Blackburn maintain their Premiership status this term.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the Premier League," Johannson told the Nurnberg website.

"I'm very sure the club will stay in the top-flight of English football."

Meanwhile, Nurnberg moved quickly to reinforce their rearguard by buying Passlack from 1860 Munich.