Roma continued to shore up their defence on Thursday after signing Norbert Gyomber from Catania on a season-long loan deal, which includes an option to make the transfer permanent.

The Slovakian, who has recently forced his way into his country's national team, made 18 appearances for Catania in Serie A two seasons ago and eight appearances for the Sicilians in Serie B last term.

Gyomber told the club's official website: "Roma are without doubt one of the world's biggest clubs and I'm happy to be here."

Roma, the Serie A runners-up the past two seasons, sold French defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to French side Lyon recently and former Chelsea and Arsenal star Ashley Cole is said to be angling to leave the Italian club.

It has left the capital side with potential holes in their defence ahead of Saturday's season opener away to Verona, and notably at home to champions Juventus next week.

As well as Gyomber, Roma coach Rudi Garcia has tried to plug the gaps by signing VfB Stuttgart defender Antonio Ruediger on a season-long loan deal with an option to make the move permanent.