Degen has made 26 appearances for Switzerland

Liverpool have finalised the transfer of Switzerland international defender Philipp Degen on a free transfer from German club Borussia Dortmund.

The 25-year-old former Basel player, who will compete with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for the right-back berth, has signed a four-year deal.

An unused substitute during Euro 2008, Degen agreed to join Liverpool in May.

Liverpool have also completed the signing of 26-year-old Udinese defender Andrea Dossena on a four-year deal.

Degen began his career with Basel in 1996, making his debut in 2001, before joining Dortmund in 2005.

"His strength is going forward," Reds manager Rafael Benitez told Liverpool's website when the agreement was confirmed.

"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality.

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

Degen - whose twin brother David plays for Basel - has made 26 appearances for Switzerland since making his international debut in 2005.

Dossena is seen as an ideal replacement for full-back John Arne Riise, who left Liverpool for Roma last month.