Valencia sign Chelsea's Del Horno

Del Horno has won 10 Spain caps

Valencia have signed Chelsea's Asier Del Horno on a six-year deal for a fee reported to be in the region of £5m.

The left-back, 25, joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £8m last summer but struggled to hold down a regular place.

The Spanish international made just 25 league outings and missed the end of the season and the World Cup because of a torn tendon close to his left ankle.

The Blues have been linked with Ashley Cole of Arsenal and Real Madrid veteran Roberto Carlos as replacements.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho soon lost faith with Del Horno after luring him to Stamford Bridge.

The Premiership champions ended the season playing William Gallas out of position at left-back having loaned England international Wayne Bridge to local rivals Fulham.

But Mourinho has praised Bridge's efforts in recovering from injury at Craven Cottage and refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with Cole.

Despite spending just one season in the Premiership Del Horno described his spell in London as a "good experience".

"I developed a lot as a player and a person," he said.

"Looking back I view it positively and for me it was important to have won a league title in my first season in England."

Del Horno, who has 10 caps, had also been tracked by his former club after admitting he would relish a return to the Primera Liga.

But it is Valencia who have won the race for his signature and Del Horno replaces Fabio Aurelio at the Mestalla after the Brazilian's summer move to Liverpool.