Nottingham Forest announced the signing of defender Yohan Benalouane on Friday morning.

The defender joins the Reds from Leicester City on an 18-month-deal, becoming Martin O’Neill’s first signing at the club.

The 31-year-old made only 29 appearances at the Foxes, but was only kept out of the team by much experienced defenders - including Premier League winners Wes Morgan and Robert Huth, as well as England star Harry Maguire.

The defender will add a level of experience and know-how to Forest’s defence, which has been their weakest aspect this season.

The Reds have shipped over 30 goals already this season, and clean sheets have been few and far between, especially away from home.

Danny Fox, a left-back by trade, has had to step in to central defence and play alongside Michael Hefele.

Benalouane will add many qualities to the Forest defence have been missing, and although he may not be a guaranteed starter, he will slot straight in noting the suspensions and injuries at the back for the club.

Forest have fluctuated in and around the play-offs all season, and are within touching distance of the top six.

Martin O’Neill has been tasked with the job of taking Forest back to the Premier League, where they have not been for nearly two decades.

Yohan Benaloune may not be a superstar signing like the additions of Carvalho, Dias et al were in the summer, but he is a sensible choice that will add much needed depth, experience and defensive solidarity to the ranks at the City Ground.