Madrid: Atletico Madrid have boosted their La Liga title challenge with the signing of Argentine international midfielder Augusto Fernandez from Celta Vigo for an undisclosed fee. "Fernandez passed a medical on Thursday and has signed his contract with our club on January 1 for the remainder of the season plus three more," Atletico said in a statement on their website on Friday.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a successful three-and-a-half year spell at Celta, scoring 10 goals in 122 appearances, and helping to guide them to fifth in the table so far this season. "It is an important signing that gives us options in midfield," said Atletico boss Diego Simeone. His arrival is expected to cover for the absence of the injured Tiago, who will be out until March with a broken leg.