Hearts sign Czech keeper Zdenek Zlamal

Hearts have signed goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal on a three-year deal, the Jambos have announced.

Tynecastle number one Jon McLaughlin is expected to return to England this summer and boss Craig Levein has acted swiftly to sign up a replacement.

Zlamal, 32, joins the Edinburgh side following the expiration of his contract at Czech top-flight side FC Zlin.

Capped once by the Czech Republic, he made three Europa League appearances for Zlin last term and has previously played with Bari and Udinese during a stint in Italy as well as with Turkish side Alanyaspor.

He becomes the sixth new recruit at Gorgie so far this summer following the captures of Steven MacLean, Bobby Burns, Jake Mulraney, Olly Lee and Uche Ikpeazu.

Zlamal has tasted action in the capital before having been part of the Sparta Prague squad which visited Murrayfield for a UEFA Cup tie in 2006.

I was very young back then so I didn't play, but it was my first UEFA Cup experience and I remember it very well,'' Zdenek explained.

I remember the Hearts fans and I kept thinking how great they were. I can't explain how happy it makes me to have signed for this great club.

It has long been my dream to play in British football and I am very excited to be joining Hearts.

I want to use my experience to help the team here and I feel I have a lot to give.

I also know that there have been a few Czech players at Hearts in the past. For example, I know that Rudi Skacel is a Hearts legend.

I also remember Roman Bednar and Michal Pospisil playing here so hopefully I can also be a success.'