Michael Madl (centre) celebrates his first Fulham goal

Fulham defender Michael Madl has signed a deal to make his loan move from Sturm Graz a permanent one.

The centre-back arrived at Fulham on loan in January in a deal that included an option to make the move permanent.

The 28-year-old has now signed a contract that will keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2018.

Madl told Fulham's official website on Friday: "I'm delighted to have completed the permanent move to Fulham this morning and would like to thank the fans, players and staff at SK Sturm Graz for an amazing time there.

"I'm now continuing a new challenge in England with Fulham following on from my initial loan spell this year.

Madl has been a Fulham stalwart since his arrival in January

"I've enjoyed the past five months with Fulham where the fans have made me feel so welcome from the very first day.

"I'm looking forward to a new exciting season in the Championship and I'm confident that I can be part of something special with the club."

Madl made an impressive debut in the 3-1 win at Queens Park Rangers and made 13 appearances in the second half of the season.

He became the club's first centre-back to score this season when he netted in a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.

Madl, who was part of the Austria squad which qualified for Euro 2016, came through the ranks at Austria Vienna and made more than 100 appearances for Sturm Graz after joining them in July 2012