Drenthe joins Alania Vladikavkaz

Alania Vladikavkaz have confirmed they have secured the services of former Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe on a free transfer.

The Netherlands international had been without a club ever since leaving Everton last off-season after an unsuccessful one-year loan spell, and will now be looking to get his career back on track at the Russian outfit.

Drenthe, 25, has signed a contract with Alania until 2016.

“We hope that he will become one of the team’s leaders. We did not only bring him in for his fine technique and pace, but also because of his personality,” head coach Valery Gazzaev said.

The left-footed winger came through the ranks of the Feyenoord youth academy, and joined Real Madrid in 2007 after impressing at the European Under-21 Championship.

He has since had temporary loan spells with Hercules and Everton.