Southampton have signed Holland centre-back Wesley Hoedt for £15million from Serie A side Lazio, with vice chairman Les Reed expressing his excitement at seeing him partner want-away compatriot Virgil van Dijk.
The 23-year-old Hoedt has signed a five-year deal at St Mary's and is the club's third summer signing. He will wear the No 6 shirt.
Upon the deal being announced, Reed pointedly outlined the club's stance that Van Dijk will not be allowed to leave despite handing in a transfer request and being banished from first-team training.
'Wesley is one of the most promising young defenders in Europe and represents a significant addition to our squad,' Reed said.