SAINTS have signed Brazilian striker Guly do Prado on a two-and-a-half-year deal, the club has announced.

The 29-year-old joined the club on loan from Italian side AC Cesena in August.

That deal was due to expire after Saturday's visit to Tranmere, but Saints have exercised their option to buy the player, for an undisclosed fee.

Guly has made 22 appearances in all competitions for the club this season, scoring eight times, including five goals in his last five matches.