Southampton have confirmed the signing of QPR defender Steven Caulker on a season-long loan deal. Ronald Koeman's boys have found themselves short of defensive options after a failed attempt to sign Toby Alderweireld, who impressed on loan at the club last year but opted to make a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur.

"I am very pleased. I think we have brought in a good player, a good defender who has already made his debut for the national team," Koeman said. "He is still a young player, 23 years old. It's a good opportunity for the player. And we need more competition in the centre-back positions.

"We are looking forward to working together and being part of the Southampton family is a great opportunity for the player. It's a player who already has the experience of playing in the Premier League and it makes the squad stronger than before."

Southampton face Vitesse Arnhem in the third qualifying round of the Europa League at St Mary's on 30 July. Their first game of the Premier League season is away to Newcastle on 9 August.

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