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• Patrick Barul profile

The 29-year-old is a welcome addition to Nice, who have lost two full backs this summer; Rod Fanni (Rennes) and Cedric Varrault (Saint Etienne).

Barul started his career at Cannes before moving to Lens in 1999, where he made over 100 appearances in the red and gold shirt, and has previously played at Nice on-loan for the 2002/3 season.

Nice have also lost two key players in recent weeks with David Bellion joining Bordeaux and midfielder Marama Vahirua joining Lorient, although defenders Vincent Hognon and Yahaya Mohammed have joined along with midfielder David Hellebuyck and striker Habib Bamogo.

Nice finished 16th in Ligue 1 last season. Barul played 12 times for Lens in the 2006/7 league campaign.