Fulham deal in Diarra

Fulham have signed former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Former Real ace arrives on free transfer

Fulham have signed former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra on a short-term deal until the end of the season. Diarra arrives at Craven Cottage on a free transfer after leaving Monaco last summer, with Fulham awaiting a visa for the Mali international before completing the deal. The 30-year-old made his name at Lyon, leading Real Madrid to sign him for a fee of £22million in the summer of 2006. Diarra joined Monaco last year, but left the club following their relegation from Ligue 1 and he has been linked with a move to England in the past. Fulham boss Martin Jol has moved to offer Diarra the chance to ply his trade in England as he feels he will provide a quality addition to his options in midfield. Diarra will be hoping to impress Jol during the remainder of the season as the Cottagers have the option to extend his deal for a further year.