Southampton sign Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon

Southampton have signed midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon for a fee in the region of £15m.

The Portugal Under-21 international joins the Saints on a five-year deal.

Fernandes played five times for Sporting’s first team and spent last season on loan at Estoril, making 28 Primeira Liga appearances.

“I’m very happy to be here – it’s a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League,” the 20-year-old said.

“It’s the best league in the world, in my opinion. It has the best coaches, the best players, the best teams. It’s good for me, for my growth and I’m happy.”

Southampton manager Russell Martin said Fernandes had “key attributes” to help the club “here and now in the Premier League”.

“Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while and someone we are really excited about,” Martin added.

Southampton are next in Premier League action on Saturday when they host Nottingham Forest at 15:00 BST.