LONDON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Premier League Champions Manchester City have added to their squad with the signing of 21-year-old Dutch central defender Philippe Sandler from the Dutch Eredevisie side PEC Zwolle.

The cost of the operation is thought to be around 2.6 million pounds (around 3.4 million US dollars) making Sandler, who joined Zwolle from Ajax two seasons ago, the Dutch team's most expensive ever sale.

The transfer is the end of what appears to have been a long pursuit of the player by the English team and one which Sandler had previously spoken about. "I heard that scouts from Manchester City were watching me, but you do not expect as a player to go from PEC Zwolle to City," Sandler said in March.

"The best manager in the world, Pep Guardiola, is currently in charge there, and he can teach me a lot, and also the style in which they play football attracts me. I enjoy watching them, and not just because I will transfer to the club this summer. Although I do look forward to facing Sergio Aguero on the training ground," added the young defender.

It is not yet sure whether Sandler will form part of Manchester City's first team squad for the coming season or whether he will play for their Under-23 squad or perhaps be loaned out to another club.