SAINTS have signed Norwich right back Jon Otsemobor on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a six-month deal and is the third defender to join the club this month.

As exclusively revealed in the Daily Echo yesterday, Alan Pardew was keen on bringing the former Liverpool man to St Mary's.

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Otsemobor started his career at Anfield, making six first-team appearances for the Reds.

Loan spells at Hull, Bolton and Crewe followed, before Otsemobor made the move to Rotherham on a free transfer in July 2005.

After just a few months at the Millers, he moved back to Gresty Road, this time on a free.

He made 50 appearances in a year-and-a-half with the Alex, before Norwich came in for him in the summer of 2007.

Otsemobor made the move to Carrow Road on a free transfer and, in his time there, he has made 103 appearances, chipping in with two goals.

However, ever since Canaries boss Paul Lambert signed Peterborough full back Russell Martin on loan in late November, Otsemobor’s playing time has been limited.

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He has made just one appearance since the end of November, playing in a 2-0 home win over Millwall on Boxing Day.

With Martin having now signed on a full-time contract, Otsemobor has left Carrow Road to seek regular first-team football.

He will offer Saints some added strength at right back, with Graeme Murty still recovering from damaging his ankle ligaments.

Lloyd James has mainly been filling in there, but Alan Pardew may value a natural full back there instead.