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CONFIRMED: Southampton complete £9m signing of Italian striker Graziano Pelle
SOUTHAMPTON have signed Feyenoord striker Graziano Pelle for a fee in the region of £9m.
The Italian forward has put pen to paper on a three-year deal and could make his debut as early as Tuesday in Southampton's first pre-season friendly.
Pelle constitutes new Saints boss Koeman's second summer signing, after Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic.
The 25-year-old comes with an immaculate goalscoring record in the Eredivisie.
55 goals in 66 matches represents an incredible striking prowess, and a much needed boost for Saints fans fearing the worst after the exit of Luke Shaw, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana.
We’re very pleased to announce the signing of Graziano Pellè. Welcome to #SaintsFC, @GPelle9! #SaintGraziano pic.twitter.com/XLGQh1VVvv
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 12, 2014
I was pretty sure that, for me, this would be a great step
Pelle spoke of his delight over the move to the South Coast, he said: "I’m really happy that it’s finally signed.
“I had some teams interested in me, but this is going to be the best choice for me because the club wants to keep improving every year.
“The talks between us were only short in terms of how long it took to convince each other. I was pretty sure that, for me, this would be a great step.
“[Ronald] Koeman and I worked together for two amazing years at Feyenoord, and I hope that it will be the same here.
“There are many good things about this club other than the trainer. The Premier League is amazing, and Southampton is showing year-by-year that it wants to improve.
“Last year, everyone in Europe was impressed by the performances of the team, and it’s clear that the club is growing. It’s great to be here.”