Motherwell have signed former France Under-21 captain Yassin Moutaouakil on a six-month loan. The Charlton star becomes the Motherwell chief's EIGHTH capture of a frantic summer - and easily the most high profile signing.

The 23-year-old right-back has decided to join Gannon's Fir Park revolution despite a successful trial at Portsmouth.

Moutaouakil moved to The Valley in a £530,000 deal in 2007. At that time he was attracting interest from Barcelona, Lazio, Everton, Aston Villa and Celtic.

But his move to England hasn't worked out and now Moutaouakil is looking to kick-start his career with Well.

Gannon said: "Yassin arrived in England in a blaze of glory as French under-21 captain and a host of big clubs were chasing him, but Charlton won that battle and paid a lot of money.

"He's had a frustrating couple of seasons and hasn't played as much as he'd like. He needs now to get out and play, and showcase his talents.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for him to come to Motherwell and the SPL, and at the same time it is brilliant for us to have such a talented player in our squad.

"He's the type of player who will give us an attacking option from full-back and our expansive style will suit him.

"Typical of French players, he's technically good, a great athlete with great pace. He'll also give us more depth and the additional security of having more players in the pool.

"Tom Hateley has done excellent against some difficult opponents when we've asked him to fill in but he's more suited to a holding midfield role. Young Steven Saunders has done brilliant but he's more natural through the middle of defence so Yassin will fit in well."