Lyon have announced the signing of Senegal defender Pape Diakhate on a season-long loan from Dinamo Kiev.

The 26-year-old spent six years at fellow Ligue 1 club Nancy before moving to the Ukraine in 2007, from where he went out on loan to Saint-Etienne in January.

Now the uncompromising centre-back will spend the season with Les Gones, who are currently 17th after a poor start to the campaign.

Of the reason behind his move to Lyon, Diakhate told the club's official website: "I am signing for a big club who will contest the Champions League.

"The club will allow me to grow and progress. I don't think there was a better choice for me and my family."