Liverpool have signed French left-back Chris Mavinga from Paris St Germain while forward Nabil El Zhar has penned a contract extension.

Mavinga, 18, can also play in the centre of defence and has represented his country at under-18 level.

Arsenal were believed to be following Mavinga's progress in the past, but Rafael Benitez appears to have beaten Arsene Wenger to the deal.

Mavinga's arrival may now spell the end of Andrea Dossena's Anfield stint. It has been rumoured that Benitez is keen to sell the Italian to raise funds, and with first-choice left-back Fabio Aurelio, the emergence of Emiliano Insua, and now the arrival of Mavinga, Dossena looks like becoming surplus to requirements.

El Zhar, 22, is the latest Reds player to sign a new deal and he has committed himself to the Anfield club until 2012.

The Moroccan international joined Liverpool from Saint Etienne in October 2006 and made 19 appearances for the first team last season.

His only goal for the club came in a 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Cardiff in 2007.

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