Southampton are set to beat Stoke City to the signing of Sporting CP fullback Cedric Soares.

The Times says Southampton have beaten off competition from Stoke City for Soares and have agreed a deal to sign the Sporting Lisbon right back.

The Portuguese international is reportedly set to join the south coast club for just £3.5million, much to the delight of Jose Fonte.

"I would like to have Cedric as a team-mate at Southampton," said the Saints skipper on Tuesday evening.

"He is a great player and our club needs him."