El Zhar signs new Liverpool deal

Liverpool forward Nabil El Zhar has signed a contract extension that is set to keep him at Anfield until 2012.

He joined the Reds from French side St Etienne in October 2006.

The 22-year-old Moroccan international made 19 appearances for the first team last season, helping the club finish second in the Premier League.

Meanwhile Liverpool have completed the signing of French left-back Chris Mavinga, 18, from French outfit Paris St Germain.

Mavinga, can also play in the central defence and has represented his country at under-18 level.

El Zhar follows Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun and Daniel Agger in committing his long-term future to the club.

El Zhar was born in France and played for Les Bleus at youth level before opting to play for Morocco, where his parents were raised.

He was recruited by Liverpool after impressing during the 2005 World Youth Championships where he helped Morocco reach the semi-final stage.

El Zhar's senior Liverpool debut came as substitute against Portsmouth in 2006, and his only goal to date came at Anfield in a 2-1 victory over Cardiff in the fourth round of the Carling Cup in 2007.