Alain Goma

Fulham's record signing Alain Goma has both agreed personal terms and passed a medical earlier this afternoon.

Alain is now a fully fledged Fulham player and is expected to go straight into Saturday's squad to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Frenchman is relishing the chance to team up with his compatriot Jean Tigana after completing his £3.5million move to Fulham.

The powerful centre-back signed a four-year deal with the Londoners, who are destined for the Premiership next season, after leaving Newcastle. Fulham have paid £3m with a further £500,000 based on appearances and Goma admitted the chance to work under the club's coach and ex-French international Tigana was a major factor in his decision to quit the North-East.

The 28-year-old said "The chance to come to London and play under a French coach in Tigana is something that appealed to me a lot. "Fulham are an ambitious club and I am looking forward to it."

Tigana has moved for Goma as he prepares for life in the Premiership with his runaway First Division leaders almost certain of promotion. With Chris Coleman facing a long spell on the sidelines after his devastating car crash, the arrival of Goma will ensure Fulham have the experience and quality in defence to guide them through the remainder of the campaign.