SAINTS have tonight announced midfielder Mario Lemina has joined Fulham on loan.

The Gabonese international, who spent last campaign on loan at Galatasaray, has linked up with Scott Parker’s side on a season-long deal.

It has been widely reported the loan fee for the deal is £2million, with Fulham having an obligation to sign the 26-year-old, should they stay maintain their Premier League status.

Lemina has played 52 times for Saints in all competitions since joining for £18.1million from Juventus in August 2017, signing a five-year deal at St Mary’s.

A post on Saints website said: “The club wishes Mario well for the season ahead.”