John Utaka seals France return

Former Nigeria striker John Utaka has secured a return to French football after three seasons by sealing a move to National 2 side Sedan.

Les Sangliers confirmed the move on their official Twitter handle on Tuesday, as the 35-year-old returns to Europe following a spell in Egypt.

35-year-old Utaka hasn't played in France since 2013, when he ended a two-year stay at Montpellier, where he was a Ligue 1 champion in 2012.

Before that, he'd also spent time with Racing Club de Lens - where he scored 24 goals in 102 league games - and Stade Rennais.

His form in Rennes prompted interest from Premier League side Portsmouth, and while he wasn't prolific during his time in English football, he was part of Harry Redknapp's FA Cup-winning side of 2008.

After leaving Montpellier, Utaka spent time with Sivasspor in Turkey before returning to Egypt, where he had been top scorer with Ismaily in the 1999-2000 season.

He joins Sedan on a free transfer after his six-month contract at Aswan ended on June 30.

Sedan, who were last in the French top flight in 2007, will hope that the arrival of the pacy wideman will help them ensure that their stay in the fourth tier - the newly branded National 2 - is brief.