Dale sign French-born midfielder Bastien Hery

Rochdale manager Keith Hill has made his first new signing ahead of the 2013-14 season, with midfielder Bastien Hery agreeing a move to Spotland.

French-born Hery, 21, is approaching the end of his contract at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

He did not play a first-team game at Hillsborough and will sign a one-year deal with Rochdale on 1 July.

Hill, who recently signed a three-year contract to stay as Dale boss, released eight players last month.

"He's spent a year in the English game, which is an ideal pick up for me because he is now integrated into British football so there's no surprises for him," Hill told the club website.

"In the two weeks that he trained with us he was excellent. He showed an excellent attitude, application and appetite and he's got unbelievable ability.

"He wants to prove himself, he wants to play for me and he wants to play for Rochdale. That's the type of player we want at this football club."