JORDY Clasie has joined Belgian side Club Brugge on loan until the end of the season.

The midfielder had dropped down the pecking order at St Mary's, following the arrival of record-signing Mario Lemina from Juventus for a fee rising to £18m.

The 26-year-old, who was signed by Ronald Koeman from his former club Feyenoord in 2015, was therefore given the opportunity to seek regular football elsewhere.

He now joins the Jupiler Pro League leaders on a temporary deal ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline.

Vice chairman of football, Les Reed, said: "We have an extremely strong and deep group of midfielders here at Southampton, meaning there is significant competition for places in the team.

"We feel it beneficial to give Jordy the chance to play regular first team football over the coming months.

"This move to a strong Club Brugge side will allow him to do that at a high level.

"This is also an opportunity to develop a relationship for the longer term with Club Brugge, one of Europe's top football clubs, who regular qualify for European competition.

"We will remain in regular contact with Jordy throughout the loan spell and will be closely monitoring his progress and performances during his time in Belgium, as we do with all our loanees.

"We wish Jordy and Club Brugge the very best for the rest of the season and hope to see him help them to another Jupiler Pro League title."