Southampton sign Brazilian defender Lyanco from Torino

Southampton have completed the transfer of Torino defender Lyanco.

The Brazilian joins Saints on a four-year deal and the reported fee is around the £7million mark.

Ralph Hasenhuttl and his Southampton scouting team have been on the hunt for a new first-team central defender following the departure of Jannik Vestergaard, who signed for Leicester City earlier this month.

It’s Saints’ fifth defensive signing of the summer transfer window so far, having brought in youngsters Dynel Simeu, Tino Livramento and Thierry small from Chelsea and Everton respectively, as well as the more experienced Romain Perraud from French side Brest.

Lyanco is excited to join up with his Saints teammates and told the club’s media team of his childhood dream to play in the Premier League.

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a dream that I have had since I started playing football as a child to play in the Premier League and for a team like a Southampton.

“It’s a dream not only for me but for all my family too.

“I grew up in Brazil and the football is different there. Then when I went to Italy I learned that you have to be focused more on tactics. My dream was to play in the Premier League and play strong football, and for me English football is perfect.”