ALBION have further intensified the fight for midfield places by signing Dutchman Danny Holla on a three-year deal.

The club announced the capture of Holla, 26, yesterday morning after he watched Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Birmingham.

The free agent has linked up with the squad at their St George's Park based ahead of tomorrow night's game at Leeds.

Holla, described by manager Sami Hyypia as a "deep-lying" midfielder, has been without a club during pre-season after parting company with Den Haag, so his fitness will be assessed before a decision is made on his involvement in the match at Elland Road.

Albion now have eight recognised midfielders in the first team squad. Holla joins Rohan Ince, Nzuzi Toko, Jake Forster-Caskey, Kemy Agustien and fellow newcomer Joao Teixeira.

They also have Dale Stephens, sidelined since April by ankle ligament damage, and Andrew Crofts who is available after suspension for Saturday's home game against Bolton.

Holla brings much-needed experience to Hyypia's midfield options. His arrival could, depending how he is used, have implications for Toko - signed before Hyypia was appointed - Ince and for the future at the club of fellow Dutchman Agustien.

Hyypia said: "Danny is a player who has plenty of top-flight experience in Holland with more than 200 senior appearances, and that experience is something we need.

"He is a deep-lying midfielder and the scouting reports I have seen on him show he likes to get on the ball, pass it and dictate the play – and I hope he can bring that to the team.

"He's not been with a club during pre-season, so will we need to assess where is in terms of his match fitness, but hopefully we can get him up to speed and ready to go."

Holla began his career at FC Groningen in the youth set-up and spent six years with them as a pro.

He also had loan spells with FC Zwolle and VV-Venlo before moving to Den Haag two years ago and has scored 39 goals in 212 career appearances.

Holla is Albion's sixth signing of the summer alongside Toko, centre-half Aaron Hughes, goalkeeper David Stockdale, striker Chris O'Grady and Teixeira.