Moutaouakil was in high demand before opting to join Charlton in 2007

Motherwell have bolstered their squad after signing former France under-21 captain Yassin Moutaouakil on a six-month loan from Charlton Athletic.

The right-back, 23, joined the Addicks in 2007 from French Second Division outfit Chateauroux, but managed only 29 first-team games.

"He's technically good and is a great athlete with great pace," Manager Jim Gannon told the Motherwell website.

"He'll give us an attacking option from full-back and our style will suit him."

Moutaouakil's arrival at Charlton for £400,000 was viewed as a coup for the London club as he was also linked with Barcelona, Lazio, Everton, Aston Villa and Celtic.

The Frenchman also had a trial spell at Portsmouth in July.

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

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

"I think this is a fantastic opportunity for him to come to Motherwell and the Scottish Premier League and, at the same time, brilliant for us to have such a talented player in our squad."

Gannon hopes Moutaouakil's arrival will ease the burden on some of his other players who have been playing out of position.

"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.

"Similarly, young Steven Saunders has done brilliantly but he's more natural through the middle of the defence, so Yassin will fit in well."

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