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Southampton have signed Zambia striker Emmanuel Mayuka from Young Boys Berne for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal after passing a medical.

Mayuka scored 32 times in two seasons in Switzerland and was joint top scorer for Zambia when they won the 2012 African Nations Cup.

"Emmanuel is a lightning-quick striker who I am sure will excite the fans," Saints manager Nigel Adkins told

Mayuka has been granted a work permit and Southampton are awaiting entry clearance for the deal to be fully ratified, which is expected to happen before the end of this week.

"He is only 21 years old but already has a great deal of experience, notably so at international level," added Adkins.

"He will bring something different to the group that we already have here at Southampton, and I look forward to seeing him pull on our shirt for the first time."

Adkins has also confirmed the club is continuing its attempts to sign Gaston Ramirez from Italian side Bologna.