Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is delighted with their deal for Brest midfielder Ibrahim Diallo.

Hasenhuttl welcomed the 21-year-old Frenchman as the third permanent addition of the summer, after Diallo completed a transfer from Ligue 1 side Brest on a four-year contract.

Capturing the France Under-21 international ahead of the summer window closing was an important step in Hasenhüttl's plans.

“We are happy to bring him in here," he said. “He is an important signing for us, because in midfield we only have so many alternatives, and he showed in France that he is a fantastic midfield player and I am very happy that he will come to us and hopefully he will have a good time with us.

“He's a very smart one, a very clever one, he reads the game very well. He's also quick and dynamic, against the ball very aggressive and with the ball also with good decision making, so he is a player who I think fits perfectly in our team.

“When he's coming he will have some time to learn. It's a pity he's now going to the internationals, with the France Under-21s, otherwise we could work with him. It will take a little bit of time, but I think for him it's a good chance and for us it's a big signing."