Diarra, who will have the name 'Lass' on the back of his Real kit, should complete a ₤20M switch from Portsmouth when the winter transfer window reopens in January.

After representing the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, Diarra is looking forward for a new experience with one of Europe's big guns.

"I feel capable. I have the abilities and I think Real Madrid is what I needed. I need to adapt to the Spanish game and do it quickly," he said.

"I've played with big clubs, got good experience with the French national team and I still want to improve."

Real intend to use the 23-year-old as cover for his namesake Mahamadou Diarra, who was ruled out for the rest of the season with injury.