Southampton confirm Cedric Soares signing as Nathaniel Clyne edges close to Liverpool move

Southampton have announced they have signed defender Cedric Soares from Sporting Lisbon on 18 June.

The right-back becomes the Saints' second summer signing after they confirmed the acquisition of striker Juanmi from Malaga on 16 June. The Portugal international has completed his transfer and has signed a four-year deal at St Mary's Stadium.

A statement on Southampton's official website read, "Southampton Football Club is pleased to confirm that Portugal defender Cédric Soares has become its second summer signing."

"Saints have quickly followed on from Tuesday's deal for Spain international Juanmi to sign Soares on a four-year contract from Sporting CP," it added.

Soares came up through the ranks at Sporting's youth setup before breaking into their first team in 2011. He spent the 2011/12 season on-loan at Academica and since his return, he has been a regular inclusion for the Portuguese outfit.

The right-back's club form has seen him make a debut for the national team in October 2014. Southampton's executive director Les Reed is delighted the Saints could sign a young defender with international experience.

"Like Juanmi, Cedric is a young player with international experience as well as exceptional talent and potential," Reed told the club's official website.

"He joined Sporting's academy at the age of eight and progressed through to first-team football and international recognition – a pathway previously trodden by a number of our own homegrown stars."

"We have been following Cédric's progress for some time and felt now was the time to make our move. While there was competition from other Premier League clubs we were confident we would prove to be an attractive option for such an ambitious player."

"We have now signed two exciting talents early in the window and will continue in our pursuit of Premier League success and our European journey," he added.

Soares' arrival will now allow Nathaniel Clyne to leave the South Coast club in the summer transfer window. The England international has one year left on his contract and has attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Clyne has snubbed a chance to join Louis van Gaal's side as he has his heart set on joining Liverpool. The English defender is edging close to switching to Anfield and Soares' signing is likely to speed up the process.