West Ham have added midfielder Eduard Cisse to the expanding French contingent at Upton Park by securing his services on a year's loan from Paris St Germain.
The former France Under-21s star impressed on a day's trial with West Ham last week and will join compatriots Frederic Kanoute, Sebastien Schemmel, Laurent Courtois and fellow new recruit Youssef Sofiane in East London.
Hammers boss Glenn Roeder has been looking to strengthen his squad on a limited budget over the summer and has already recruited Republic of Ireland international Gary Breen, goalkeeper Raimond van der Gouw and 18-year-old striker Sofiane on free transfers.
Roeder retains the option to buy Cisse at the end of the season and is confident the 24-year has the experience to make an impact.
"He had a day with us last week. He really caught our imagination, and we his.
"I first saw him a couple of years ago, and although I wasn't going to watch him, he always caught the eye. He is six feet one inch, has made 120 or so starts for PSG, and has played in the Champions' League and the UEFA Cup".
Elsewhere, former England midfielder Paul Merson has completed his move from Aston Villa to Portsmouth.
The 34-year-old was today unveiled at Fratton Park after signing on a free transfer in a two-year deal.