Kjell Knops: Port Vale boss Bruno Ribeiro signs Dutch defender from MVV Maastricht

Kjell Knops has spent his entire career to date playing in the Netherlands, starting with Eredivisie side Roda JC

Port Vale have made their first summer signing by bringing in Dutch defender Kjell Knops from Eerste Divisie side MVV Maastricht on a two-year deal.

New Vale boss Bruno Ribeiro has several more foreign transfer targets in mind.

Knops, a 28-year-old centre-back, is due to be followed to the Potteries on Wednesday by two more foreign signings from French side Monaco.

"It is important to me to come and play for a manager who wants to play football," said Knops.

"That is why I was keen to come. Port Vale is new to me so, when they contacted me, I did my research. I saw a great club with a great stadium.

"League One is a good competition. It is a very good opportunity for me. I watch Premier League football on the TV so I do know a bit about English football."

(At least) two more to follow to Burslem...

Port Vale chairman Norman Smurthwaite takes to Twitter with an update on transfers from Monaco

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.