Nurnberg snap up Simons

Simons, 33, joins on a two-year contract with the option of a third after spending five seasons at the Dutch giants, where he was captain after Phillip Cocu left in 2007.

"We always said we wanted to bring a player with personality and experience to cover this position," coach Dieter Hecking told the club website.

"I think Timmy fits the bill for us perfectly."

The 2002 Belgian player of the year said: "I was highly attracted by the opportunity to have a guiding role with a successful young team."

A late developer, Simons began his professional career with Lommel before joining Club Brugge in 2000, where he spent five years before moving to the Netherlands.

He appeared 25 times in the Eredivisie last season and is a direct replacement for Andreas Ottl, who returns to Bayern Munich after a loan spell.

Nurnberg narrowly avoided relegation last season, having been promoted the previous summer.