Saints have made their first summer signing after completing a free transfer swoop for versatile defender Darren Kenton.

As was exclusively revealed in the Echo on May 2, the former Norwich man has put pen to paper on a deal at St Mary's, although the length of the contract has not been disclosed.

Kenton was available on a Bosman free after cancelling his contract with the Canaries by mutual consent at the start of the month.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We are delighted to have got such a quality English player. He has talked to a few clubs but we are very pleased he has chosen Southampton.

"He very much fits the mould of what we are trying to achieve here. He is a good age and although his main position is right back, he can also play in the centre.

"He will give us more cover in the middle and increased competition for places on the right.

"It will be a good chance for him to show what he can do in the Premier League and I know he is very excited by this opportunity."

Saints first moved for Kenton in January but Norwich wanted to keep hold of him as they pushed for promotion to the Premiership.

That didn't happen and Kenton was allowed to leave and signed up for Saints yesterday after passing a medical last week.

Although not cup-tied, Kenton is not able to play in the FA Cup final as he was signed outside the transfer window.

The 24-year-old can play at right back or in the centre of defence and will give Gordon Strachan extra cover in that department.

The Saints boss has spoken recently of how his small squad, also suffering from injuries, have been unable to challenge for Europe in the league and the cup.

But Kenton, who has been at Norwich since joining as a trainee in 1997, will provide a valuable option at right back, in competition with Paul Tefler and Jason Dodd.

Saints have written themselves a little piece of history by producing their own FA Cup final brochure which goes on sale today.

The 52-page £5 magazine features background and interviews and is available from the club store at St Mary's and the WestQuay store.