Fulham have completed the signing of Havard Nordtveit on loan from Hoffenheim until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has penned a short-term contract with the Cottagers which runs until June 30, a move which sees him return to the Premier League following a season-long spell with West Ham United earlier in his career.

Nordtveit joins a Fulham side sitting 19th in the Premier League table, six points from safety with 14 games remaining.

"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to come back to the Premier League and hopefully help Fulham to a safe place. That would be a something that I would put high on my list in my career," Nordtveit told the club's official website.

"The situation Fulham is in now, it's more or less the same that Borussia Monchengladbach was in when I went to them from Arsenal. They were down the bottom of the table, a much worse situation, eight points off a safe place, and we made it. It's a feeling that I want again because it's a feeling you can't get anywhere else, just on a football pitch.

"I haven't spoken to [former Fulham defender] Brede [Hangeland] about coming here but he is a good friend of mine. Of course, nothing would make me more happy than if I could fill half of his boots. He had a great career here. That's a guy to look up to. Hopefully, I can make some good moments, like he did in a Fulham shirt."

Chairman Tony Khan added: "Havard is a talented defender, he's versatile and intelligent, has extensive international and top-tier league experience, and he comes recommended as an excellent teammate.

"His scouting profile and his data profile are both excellent, and he arrives with the support of our manager. I believe this is a smart loan for Fulham, and we look forward to welcoming Havard to our squad."

Nordtveit, who is a Norwegian international, can play either as a centre-back or in midfield.