Levante is where the Harte is

Ireland defender Ian Harte said he was looking forward to a new challenge after signing a four-year contract with recently-promoted Spanish side Levante on a free transfer from debt-laden Leeds United.

"Levante are a really ambitious club and I'm keen to help the team and to stay here for a long time to come," the 26-year-old left back told a news conference in Valencia on Friday.

"It's good for my career to come to the best league in the world and to form part of a Levante side that has just been promoted to the Primera Liga."

Harte, who has won 56 caps for Ireland, was at Leeds for nine seasons, chalking up 213 games and scoring 45 goals while at Elland Road.

He is the latest of a string of players to leave the Yorkshire club following their relegation from the premier league last season.

Levante, who were comfortable winners of the Spanish second division last season, have also recruited former Celtic defender Johan Mjallby for their first top flight campaign in 39 years.