The Hatters are delighted to confirm the signing of Hungarian defender János Kovács following his release from Lincoln City.

Beating off stiff competition for his signature, including that of Ferencvaros, the Budapest-born, 24-year-old joins the Town on a permanent contract until the end of the season following a year-and-half at Sincil Bank.

A towering centre-half standing at 6ft 4in tall, Kovács started his career in his native Hungary with home-town club MTK Hungária.

His talents were soon spotted by English scouts and in 2005 he joined Chesterfield where he went onto make 62 appearances for the Spireites, scoring twice.

A brief loan spell at York City followed before he made the short switch to Lincoln from Saltergate in the summer of 2008.

Kovács made 66 appearances and netted four goals for the Imps and last season was named as their Home Player of the Season after a consistant campaign at the heart of the defence where he only missed one league fixture.

With the tranfer complete, the centre-half goes straight into the Hatters' squad to face Histon tomorrow.