The Cottagers splashed out £11.5million on the French international striker to add more competition to a strikeforce which was already hungry for goals.

The former Auxerre player impressed in the Champions League during the 2000/01 season, netting five goals for the unfancied Lyon.

Boss Jean Tigana said of the signing: 'I have said in the past that it is important for me to strengthen the squad and I believe that Steve's striking ability will be a valuable asset to our first season in the Premiership. It is important for the squad to work together to enable us to be successful at the highest level.'

The player himself added: 'I am happy to have signed for Fulham. Fulham is a very ambitious club and the plans that have been put in place by Mohamed Fayed and Jean Tigana to establish Fulham as one of the leading clubs in England, encouraged me to come here.'

Marlet's price tag meant the club's transfer record had been broken twice in a matter of weeks, following the earlier signing of Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

But the player had a horrendous start to his career at the Cottage when, after failing to get on the scoresheet in his first seven games, a knee injury ruled him out for two months.