DONE DEAL: Cédric is a Saint!

International right-back Cédric Soares has this afternoon signed a four-year deal to become the newest addition to the Southampton squad.

He follows in the footsteps of Juanmi - who also signed a four-year deal with Saints - on Tuesday.

The deal to bring Cédric to St. Mary's is estimated to have cost the club a transfer fee of just €5m, due to the defender entering the final 12 months on his contract with Sporting Lisbon.

He also encountered interest from Stoke City, but the Potters were trumped by Southampton in their pursuit of the Portuguese international, who plays alongside José Fonte for the senior side.

He currently has four caps for the Portuguese senior team, after clocking up 72 appearances for the Iberian national at youth level.

Cédric won the Taça de Portugal with Sporting Lisbon last season, with 'los Leões' beating Braga on penalties to lift the trophy in his final game as a Sporting player.

Speaking after completing his move to Southampton on Thursday, the right-back hailed Saints as a big club.

"I joined this club because I believe we can do better and better every year," Cédric announced.

"Everyone knows that the Premier League is a very, very good league - and maybe the best one in the world - so for me it's a pleasure to be here, but even more of a pleasure to be in Southampton.

"Southampton is a big, big club in England and is very respected. It's a club with a lot of history and, for me, it's very important to play for a big club. I think this is a very good move."

Executive Director Les Reed also spoke after the announcement of Cédric's transfer, highlighting the player's age and international experiences.

"Cédric represents a quality addition to our squad, and is another player with a desire and hunger to succeed," Reed said.

"Like Juanmi, Cédric is a young player with international experience as well as exceptional talent and potential. He joined Sporting's academy at the age of eight and progressed through to first-team football and international recognition - a pathway previously trodden by a number of our own homegrown stars.

"We have been following Cédric's progress for some time and felt now was the time to make our move. While there was competition from other Premier League clubs we were confident we would prove to be an attractive option for such an ambitious player.

"We have now signed two exciting talents early in the window and will continue in our pursuit of Premier League success and our European journey."

To find out more about the latest addition to the Saints squad, check out our profile of Cédric, featuring a chat with Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert.Cédric signs