Liverpool have signed French midfielder Alou Diarra on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

The former France Under-20 international has agreed a five-year contract at Anfield and becomes the club's first summer signing.

Diarra joined Bayern Munich two seasons ago from French Second Division outfit Louhans-Cuiseaux and was a member of the France squad that competed in the 2001 World Youth Cup .

He failed to break into Bayern's first team during his spell there, but is the first of Liverpool's four transfer targets to seal his move to Anfield.

The club have also lined up a bid for French striker Bruno Cheyrou and hope to unveil him as a Liverpool player in the coming days.

Senegal World Cup duo El-Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao are also on their way to the club.

And while their respective transfers have not yet been completed, Liverpool confirmed they would both be signed up before the season begins.

Diouf should arrive in time for the start of the season, however Diao is unlikely to arrive at Anfield until Christmas.