Reds complete signing of Swiss fullback Degen

Degen, 25, had agreed to join the Reds from Borussia Dortmund prior to the start of the recently completed European Championship.

He was part of the Swiss squad at Euro 2008 but a pre-tournament injury prevented him from making any appearances.

Degen will challenge Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for a starting spot at right-back next season.

"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality," manager Rafael Benitez told the club's official website. "His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad.

"Sometimes you can find these players on the market. When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad.

"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)