• Football

Gallas joins Australian side Perth Glory

William Gallas only has a medical to overcome © PA Photos

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Former Tottenham defender William Gallas has agreed to join A-League side Perth Glory on a one-year deal.

Gallas, 36, is expected to arrive in Australia ahead of Perth's round five clash against Wellington in what is a significant coup for the A-League.

The centre-back, who also played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Marseille during a successful career in Europe, was linked with Melbourne Victory prior to Ange Postecoglou's side signing Chilean Pablo Contreras.

But Gallas has opted to join Perth as the club's international marquee for the remainder of the season, with a medical now the only hurdle to overcome.

Gallas is confident he can make an impact on the field for Perth.

"After speaking to Alistair Edwards and Jason Brewer, the passion and ambition in the voices of both gentlemen enticed me to this new challenge in Australia," he said. "I look forward to wearing with pride the jersey of Perth Glory for this season.

"I hope to help my new team-mates and club achieve success in this season and hope to help deliver to the fans of Perth the championship they are looking for. I look forward to this new challenge and hope to excite the fans".

Gallas' agent confirmed the Frenchman received offers from clubs in The Gulf, Far East and Major League Soccer, but insists Perth were most committed to signing him.

"This is a credit to the A-league on how far it's come since its inaugural season and the profile of a club such as Perth Glory and the people behind the scenes that make this a great club," agent Pierre Frelot said.

"I would like to thank the club on the professionalism it has shown throughout discussions with myself and my representatives and the people who made it happen in Australia."

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