Southampton sign Cedric Soares

Portugal international Cedric Soares has completed his move from Sporting Lisbon to Southampton.

The 23-year-old, who plays alongside Saints captain Jose Fonte at international level, has signed a four-year contract on the South Coast.

Last season, he featured in 24 of Sporting's league matches and also made a further five appearances in the group stage of the Champions League.

"I joined this club because I believe we can do better and better every year," Soares told the club's official website.

"Everyone knows that the Premier League is a very, very good league and maybe the best one in the world. 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."

The full-back is the second player to have arrived at the St Mary's Stadium this summer following the recent addition of Juanmi from Malaga.