<!--Article Start--> <h3 style="text-align: justify"><strong>Southampton have signed QPR's England defender Steven Caulker on loan for the forthcoming season, the Premier League club confirmed on Wednesday.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Saints' manager Ronald Koeman made his move for Caulker to fill the void in his defence left by Toby Alderweireld's move to Tottenham and a serious knee injury sustained by Florin Gardos.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify"><strong>Caulker cost Southampton a "substantial undisclosed loan fee"</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Caulker, who made his only England appearance in 2012, cost Southampton a "substantial undisclosed loan fee", but it is believed the deal is not with a view to a permanent transfer to St Mary's.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The 23-year-old centre-back only joined QPR last season from Cardiff and made 35 appearances as the west London club were relegated from the English top-flight.</p> . <p style="text-align: justify"><em>"To now join this club and to be a part of it for this year is something I've proud of,"</em> Caulker told Southampton's website.</p> <p style="text-align: justify"><em>"As soon as I got the phone call to say a fee was agreed with Southampton, I was delighted to get the opportunity to come and play under a great manager.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><em>"This club is an ambitious one, so to be part of this is a great opportunity - it's a chance for me to prove myself. I'm very excited for the season ahead."</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>By AFP</strong></p> <!--Article End-->