Liverpool have signed Borussia Dortmund's Switzerland defender Philipp Degen, the English Premier League side said on Tuesday

The 25-year-old, former FC Basel full-back -- who was named in the co-hosts provisional Euro 2008 squad -- will join the club on July 1 when his contract with the Bundesliga side expires.

"Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez told the club's Web site (www.liverpoolfc.tv).

"He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top level football."

Degen is a regular in the Swiss side, earning 29 caps since making his debut in 2005 and has spent the past three seasons at Dortmund.

"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality. His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad," Benitez added.