Malaga snaps up Baysse on a free transfer from Nice

Mid-table Malaga has bolstered its backline, signing centre-half Paul Baysse on a free transfer from Nice.

The Andalusians announced the move with a statement on their website Tuesday, adding that Baysse makes the La Liga switch through 2020 with an option for an extra year. His deal with Nice was set to expire Friday.

Baysse, 29, has excelled in his two seasons with Les Aiglons, guiding Nice to fourth- and third-place finishes, respectively, after moving to the Cote d'Azur from Saint-Etienne in 2016. During the last two campaigns, Baysse made 52 Ligue 1 appearances, pairing two goals with an assist alongside Brazilian Dante.

A no-nonsense centre-half skilled at aerial duels and passing out of trouble, Baysse is a threat on set pieces, and should help add depth to Michel's defensive setup with Diego Llorente's one-year loan spell from Real Madrid set to end.