Chelsea complete Boulahrouz signing

LONDON, Aug 21 (Reuters) Chelsea have completed the signing of Dutch international defender Khalid Boulahrouz from Hamburg SV, the London club said on their Web site today.

The 24-year-old passed a medical and agreed personal terms at Stamford Bridge over the weekend and watched Chelsea begin the defence of their Premier League title with a 3-0 win over Manchester City.

He has signed for an undisclosed fee.

Boulahrouz made his international debut against Liechtenstein in September 2004, played seven of the Netherlands' World Cup qualifying games and started in their last two games in the tournament.

Despite measuring only 5ft 9ins he is a solid centre back but can also play fullback on either flank, a versatility that made him an appealing option for Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho.

''In a short squad and in a country where you can have only 16 players for a match, it's important to have cover for many positions,'' Mourinho said.

His arrival further dampens the chances of England fullback Ashley Cole moving to Chelsea from Arsenal but open the door for Frenchman William Gallas to leave.

REUTERS PM HS1513