Saints have completed the club record signing of Sofiane Boufal for £16m.

The Moroccan international has signed a five-year deal at St Mary’s and his capture smashes the previous record paid for Dani Osvaldo.

Saints had been ready to pay Lille around £21m for Boufal, but entering the final round of negotiations with the player having told the French side his heart was set on a move to St Mary’s, they negotiated hard to get the price down considerably.

The club are confident that they have bagged an exciting young talent at an excellent price, with the 22-year-old attacking midfielder highly rated in European football.

Boufal does arrive with a slight injury, meaning fans may have to wait a few weeks before seeing him in action, but his very presence is a boost after a shaky start to the season.

Claude Puel is understood to have identified Boufal as his top transfer target when he arrived at Saints, and the club have delivered him the player he wanted.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Sofiane to Southampton Football Club.

“He has shown his undoubted qualities in France over the past few seasons, and we are extremely confident he will successfully adapt to life in the Premier League.

“Sofiane is a player we have watched develop closely over the last few years, and we’re thrilled to have him join the club ahead of what promises to be a very exciting season, with Europa League football on the horizon.

“His excellent campaign with Lille last season meant a number of clubs were pursuing him to secure his services, but we’re delighted that Sofiane sees Southampton as the best place for him to continue his development.

“Saints fans may have to wait for a few weeks yet to see him demonstrate his skills, as Sofiane had a delayed start to his pre-season training and will be working very hard with our fitness staff to get up to full match fitness.

“At just 22 years of age, he will undoubtedly continue to improve as a player, and we’re very pleased that he will be able to make that progression with us here at Southampton.”

Boufal said: “I’m very, very happy to sign for Southampton and I am really excited to play in St Mary’s Stadium in front of the fans.

“Southampton showed big interest in signing me, and I can see that this club is the best place for me to continue my progression as a footballer.

“I hope I can achieve many great things with Southampton. It is a very good club, with excellent facilities, and I feel it is the perfect environment to continue my development.”