SAINTS have finally confirmed the signing of Brentford's out of contract left back Ryan Dickson.

The 23-year-old, whose arrival at St Mary's on a three-year deal was revealed in last Thursday's Echo, becomes manager Alan Pardew's first close season purchase.

"There were Championship clubs interested in me, but I can see the potential here," Dickson said.

The player's fee will be decided by a tribunal, with Brentford believed to be wanting around £500,000 and Saints offering around a fifth of that.