Southampton have signed goalkeeper Mouez Hassen on a five month loan deal from Nice

The 21-year-old stopper joins on a temporary deal from Nice, where he previously worked under Saints boss Claude Puel.

Hassen has been brought in as back-up to first choice stopper Fraser Forster.

Regular second choice Alex McCarthy will miss at leaast another two months through injury and, with veteran keeper Stuart Taylor being overlooked by Puel, it left only the inexperienced Harry Lewis as cover for Forster.

Puel is keen that Lewis be allowed to continue his development in the under-23s.

Hassen has made 50 appearances for Nice and is a France under-21 international, but has been back-up of late at the Ligue 1 club.

Hassen said: “I am really happy. It’s a pleasure for me to come to England for the first time and I am really happy to get to know the Premier League.

“I am really looking forward to joining the team.”

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “Mouez is a promising young goalkeeper, and we are very pleased to have been able to bring him to Southampton.

“He has built an excellent reputation during his time with Nice and also in his country’s youth teams, and will provide us with further depth in the months ahead.

“As well as adding to our squad, we believe Mouez can continue his development in his time at Southampton and make strides in his own game under the expert guidance of our Head of Goalkeeping, Dave Watson, as well as working alongside Fraser Forster.

“Harry Lewis has had opportunities and gained great experience while Alex McCarthy has been injured, and Stuart Taylor has brought excellent experience to the group and now Mouez will add to our strength in depth.”