Ricardo Carvalho signs one-year Monaco deal

Monaco have confirmed that Ricardo Carvalho has joined the newly-promoted side on a free transfer from Real Madrid.

Carvalho found first-team opportunities difficult to come by in Madrid last season and was not offered a contract extension beyond the end of his current three-year deal, which expires this weekend.

The experienced Portuguese defender has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with Claudio Ranieri's side, with the option of an extra year if the move proves a success.

After following Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez in moving to the principality the 35-year-old has declared that he is excited by the fresh challenge of helping mega-rich Monaco succeed in Ligue 1.

He told the club's official website: "I am very happy to join AS Monaco FC and participate in this new adventure. This is a brand new challenge for me."

Under the stewardship of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev Monaco are also thought to be close to further signings from La Liga, reportedly agreeing fees for both Radamel Falcao and Victor Valdes in the past 48 hours.