Iran's Nekounam joins Osasuna

SW - After impressing at the World Cup finals, Iran midfielder Javad Nekounam today signed a two-year contract with Spanish side Osasuna.

The 25-year-old holding player looked very competent in the role against Mexico and Portugal and the Navarrans hope Nekounam can be influential when they play in the third qualifying round of the Champions League in August.

A nominee for Asian Player of the Year in 2005, Nekounam joins Osasuna from Al-Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates on a free transfer and is Osasuna's second signing in a week after agreeing a deal with Villarreal's Héctor Font.

Despite his age, Nekounam has already won 73 caps for Iran's national team, but did not play in their final game against Angola after being suspended for yellow cards.