Italian side Palermo have confirmed the signing of defender Giancarlo Gonzalez from Columbus Crew.

The Costa Rica defender impressed in his country's run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup this summer and had been linked with both Fulham and Sunderland.

However, reported interest from England never materialised and Palermo have now swooped to bring the 26-year-old to Serie A on what Costa Rican newspaper Al Dia claims to be a four-year contract.

Gonzalez only made 17 appearances for Crew after joining from Norwegian side Valerenga in February.

Details of the transfer were not revealed as per the policy of both Palermo and Major League Soccer.