Wanyama seals Southampton move

London: Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has joined English football club Southampton on a four-year deal worth 12.5 million pounds.

The 22-year-old Kenyan international was a big hit in Scotland and was being monitored by numerous Premier League clubs. The Saints, though, won the race and unveiled the player at St. Mary`s stadium on Thursday. "#SaintsFC is delighted to announce the signing of @VictorWanyama from @celticfc on a four-year deal," Southampton’s official Twitter feed read on Thursday. Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino told the club’s official website: "I am very pleased to have secured the signing of Victor because we are a big admirer of his talents and he will fit in well to the team here at Southampton. The fact that a lot of top European clubs were also keen to sign him shows what an attractive prospect Southampton Football Club is to a player who had his pick of the teams in England and abroad. I`ve watched him perform at the top level in the Champions League, and I believe that he will be a valuable addition to our Premier League squad for the season ahead." A statement on Celtic’s official website read: "He leaves Celtic with the best wishes and support of everyone at the club as our own preparations continue for the new season." IANS