Southampton sign Steven Caulker on a season long loan from QPR

The 23-year-old centre half comes into the squad as a replacement for Toby Alderweireld, after the Belgian opted to move to Tottenham rather than complete a permanent move to St Mary’s.

Caulker will have to wait for his Saints debut as he is not registered in time for tomorrow night’s Europa League tie against Vitesse.

• Steven Caulker joins Southampton - in pictures >>

Caulker started his career at Tottenham but after a series of loan spells was signed by Cardiff for £8m.

After the Welsh side were relegated from the Premier League he moved to QPR, but suffered the same fate there.

He now returns to the top flight with Saints, who QPR say have paid a "susbstantial" loan fee for his services, but without an automatic clause to make it permanent if Saints wish.

Caulker boosts the centre half numbers with Jose Fonte and Maya Yoshida the other experienced options with Florin Gardos sidelined for six months after knee surgery.

Saints manager Ronald Koeman said: "I am very pleased. I think we bring in a good player, a good defender, who makes already his debut for the national team.

"He’s still a young player, 23-years-old.

"It’s a good opportunity for the player and we need more competition in the centre back position and that’s very good news.

"I had a talk to Steven this morning and we are looking forward to work together and to be part of the Southampton family is a great opportunity for the player and he will show that."

“We have tracked Steven for a number of years, and so we are very happy to have finally brought him to the club," executive director of football Les Reed said on the club's official website.

Steven Caulker and Les Reed

“Although still young, he has played several seasons in the top flight, as well as representing England at senior level and featuring for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games.

“Steven will offer us an excellent defensive option – especially with Florin Gardos ruled out after his knee operation.

“He is a player with a good blend of both experience and potential who is determined to grow, to develop and to prove himself during his time with the club.”