Southampton have beaten the transfer deadline to sign Sadio Mane from Red Bull Salzburg.
The 22-year old Senegalese winger has penned a four-year deal with the Saints following a couple of stellar seasons in Austria.
Mane, who has netted 45 goals in 87 appearances for Salzburg, had emerged on the transfer list of Saints boss Ronald Koeman and the Dutchman admits he was thrilled to land the former Metz youngster.
"Right from the first meeting I had with Les Reed, when it was clear that we would have to change a lot, Sadio was on our list of potential players," Koeman told the club's official website.
"I know the player because last season Ajax Amsterdam played against Red Bull Salzburg in Europe, and I saw him playing and I was impressed with his qualities and with the physicality that he showed.
"He can play in different positions in the attack - he can play on the left or right side and also as a number nine. It is incredible how many goals he has scored from his position, and I hope that he will do the same for us.
"With the way that we play and the fact that I know him very well, this is a good step forward for him."
ANNOUNCEMENT: Senegalese winger Sadio Mané joins #SaintsFC on a four-year deal - http://t.co/Dc5BXichv3pic.twitter.com/b3azbnT7fp
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 1, 2014
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