Lyon have signed Ghana defender John Mensah from Rennes, who was reportedly a target for Wigan boss Steve Bruce.The Ligue 1 and Coupe de France winners have moved quickly to replace Sebastien Squillaci, and in the process beat the Premier League side to the signature of the 25-year-old, who has signed a five-year deal.

"I had spotted him in the African Nations Cup in Egypt in 2006 where he was a very, very good performer," club advisor Bernard Lacombe told the Lyon website.

"He is a defender with characteristics which closely resemble those of (Lyon defender) Cris."

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas added: "The objective was to sign the best defender, along with Cris, in the French championship. That's what we've done."

Mensah has played for two seasons in France with Rennes, helping Guy Lacombe's side to an impressive sixth place in Ligue 1 last season.

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