Liverpool appear to be closing in on Nathaniel Clyne as Southampton have signed C dric Soares from Sporting Lisbon.
Southampton confirmed they had landed Sporting Lisbon right back Cedric Soares on a four year deal for an initial fee believed to be A?3.6m.
The 23-year-old Portugal international passed a medical and subsequently penned a deal at the Premier League club.
Southampton are looking to add quality in the window as they compete in four competitions next season, including the Premier League. Since their return to top flight, Saints have established themselves as a top half club and were in the running for Champions League till the end last season. With as many as four competitions next season, Ronald Koeman understands the need to have a bigger squad. The club has already signed highly rated striker Juanmi from Malaga and made Soares the second signing of the summer.
“We have signed two exciting talents early in the window,” said executive director of football Les Reed.
“We will continue in our pursuit of Premier League success and our European journey.”
The right back made his senior debut for the Portugal national team back in October last year and has since, won four caps for his country. Southampton will hope he forms a good understanding for the club with compatriot Jose Fonte at the back.
The signing could mean a move for Nathaniel Clyne, who has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, is cleared.
The Reds saw a A?10m bid rejected last month for the 24 year-old but are keen to bring the England international to Anfield and are readying a second bid,closer to Southampton’s valuation of the player.
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Manchester United were very heavily linked with the player during the tail-end of the season. They are apparently going to attempt bringing in Everton’s Seamus Coleman, someone they were also linked with during the season.
The Reds have already confirmed deals for James Milner, Danny Ings and Adam Bogdan and are also closing in on 18-year-old Charlton defender Joe Gomez.