Football: Saints sign Croatian defender Lovren

Southampton on Friday completed the signing of Croatian international defender Dejan Lovren from French side Lyon on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old had been linked with a number of clubs before opting for the Premier League.

“I’ve spoken a lot with the chairman and the coach, and this is a great project,” Lovren told www.saintsfc.co.uk.

“They told me a lot of positive things, and I know the history of the club. It’s a big club and I’m very happy that I can be a part of it.

“After three-and-a-half years in France, it was a dream to play in the Premier League. Now the dream has come true.”

dj/nr