Finidi agrees Ipswich move

Finidi signed after finally agreeing personal terms

Ipswich Town on Thursday completed the £3.1m signing of Finidi George from Real Mallorca after resolving a last-minute snag over personal terms.

George's availability for Saturday's Premiership opener at Sunderland had been in doubt after it emerged that the 30-year-old, who has been training with Ipswich for two weeks, had not actually signed.

But following talks involving Ipswich manager George Burley, chairman David Sheepshanks, the player and his agent a deal was finally completed.

Finidi George is a world class player

George Burley

George's work permit has been received and the former Ajax winger and Nigeria international has gone straight into the squad for Saturday's game at the Stadium of Light.

"Finidi George is a world class player," said Burley of his new signing.

Burley is also looking to sign a goalkeeper but reports that Sampdoria keeper Matteo Sereni has signed for Town are premature.

Ipswich have agreed a fee of £4.5m with Sampdoria but Burley is understood to be considering a second offer for Derby County goalkeeper Mart Poom.

Burley has been forced to try to sign another goalkeeper because of an injury to Andy Marshall.

Meanwhile, Pablo Counago, who signed on a Bosman transfer from Spanish club Celta Vigo over the summer, is confident of success this season.

"Everybody here has been excellent with me, in the town, the staff at the club and the players. I can't wait to pay them back," said Counago.

Counago is confident of success at Portman Road

The Spanish striker has scored nine times for his country's under-21 team and refutes claims that he has left his native Spain too early in his footballing development.

"Because I am playing in the best league in Europe it's not a gamble at all," said Counago.

"I don't think my chances of playing for Spain will lessen because the Premiership is a very good, competitive league.

"And in Spain they keep the group of players together for as long as possible at international level and progress them.

The striker claims that he chose to move to Ipswich ahead of numerous other interested clubs.

"I had wanted to leave (Celta Vigo) and this place created an opportunity I could not refuse when I considered what Ipswich did last season," he said.

"There were a lot of clubs interested in me in England but Ipswich showed they were very keen to sign me and that got me enthusiastic.

"It is because of that and their results last year that I am here.

"With last year's high finish and the fact that the club is in the Uefa Cup everybody is starting to notice them again."