91Èȱ¬

QPR defender Steven Caulker has signed for Southampton on a season-long loan.

No fee is involved in the deal to bring the 23-year-old to St Mary's.

Premier League rivals Tottenham beat Ronald Koeman's side to Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld, while Romania centre-back Florin Gardos is out injured for seven months.

Caulker, who has one England cap, said: "This club has done fantastically well, especially over the last two years and last season they were fantastic."

He added. "It is something I am proud of and very excited for the season ahead.

"I was delighted to get the opportunity to play under a great manager and the style of football they play is outstanding."

Caulker started his career at Tottenham but has been relegated from the Premier League in the past two seasons with Cardiff and QPR respectively.

Southampton play their first competitive game of the season when they entertain Dutch side Vitesse in the third qualifying round of the Europa League on Thursday.

Executive director of football Les Reed said: "We have tracked Steven for a number of years and so we are very happy to have finally brought him to the club."

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.