having represented Uruguay more times.

Lugano, who boasts nine international goals, won his 86th cap in Uruguay’s Confederations Cup third/fourth place play-off with Italy in Brazil in June.

The 32-year-old defender has also lifted the 2011 Copa America trophy – after beating Paraguay 3-0 in the final – and helped Uruguay reach the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.

Head coach Steve Clarke said: “I’m delighted to welcome Diego to the club.

“He’s an experienced centre-half who will increase competition in that area of the team.

“This is a tough league. You need as many good players in your squad as you can get – and Diego is undoubtedly one of those.

“Like some of the others we have here, Diego is another player who captains his country and is a leader.

“He has a real hungeris very much suited for the Premier League.”

Lugano was signed by Antoine Kombouare for PSG in August 2011. Injury limited him to 12 appearances for the Ligue One superpower before he joined Malaga a year ago.

Lugano started his career in his native city with Club Atletico de Canelones. Shortly after turning 18, he joined the youth set-up at Montevideo giants Nacional.

He was involved in the side that won back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001 but went on loan to Plaza Colonia in 2002, where he was made club captain.

Lugano joined Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo the following year, going on to win the FIFA Club World Championship and Copa Libertadores in 2005.

The Brazilian 2006 Serie A title followed and he was voted the top defender in the country for