Seville (Spain), Aug 13 (IANS): Spanish football club Real Betis has announced the signing of midfielder Juan Manuel Vargas for the next two seasons in a free transfer, after the Peruvian international did not renew his contract with Italian side Fiorentina.

The deal contributes to the campaign to keep the Andalusian club in La Liga, after it made its triumphant return to the Spanish top-flight football competition last season, EFE reported on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old arrived in Seville on Monday, passed the medical tests and signed his contract, and will be presented on Thursday in the presence of club chairman Juan Carlos Ollero and sporting director Eduardo Macia.

Vargas has scored four goals in 59 matches for Peru. His career began at Peru's Universitario Deportes club, then he joined Argentinian club Atletico Colon.

Afterward, Vargas moved to Italy, where he played with Catania, Fiorentina, Genoa and then returned to Fiorentina.