Bundesliga strugglers Cologne have announced the signing of a new defender for the second half of the season after reaching an agreement with Hoffenheim over the transfer of Christian Eichner.

The 28-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the season with the Goats after the two clubs agreed on an undisclosed fee for the transfer.

He will join his new team mates in their winter training camp in Turkey immediately, although the deal cannot officially go through until the transfer market reopens in January.

"We are glad we have been able to complete the transfer of Christian Eichner," said Cologne's general manager Claus Horstmann on his club's official website.

"Christian was our number one target for the left-hand side of our defence. We are convinced that he will take us forwards."

Eichner, who has played a part in only four Bundesliga matches for Hoffenheim this season, is Cologne's second new signing this winter following goalkeeper Michael Rensing.

He will be bidding to help lift the club from the 16th place they currently occupy and away from relegation danger in 2011.