FULHAM vice chairman Tony Khan believes midfielder Mario Lemina will “thrive” under boss Scott Parker after confirming his loan switch from Saints.

The Gabonese international, who spent last campaign on loan at Galatasaray, has linked up with the Cottagers 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 maintain their Premier League status.

Speaking about the deal, Khan said: “Mario Lemina has top-flight experience throughout Europe, including in the Premier League, and I’m very excited to announce his arrival at Fulham Football Club on loan.

“I chose to pursue Mario this summer because, in our recruitment conferences, he’s been highly rated by our scouting team and our head coach Scott Parker, and our statistical research team.

“I believe he will thrive for our club under Scott’s coaching and leadership.”

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.

Speaking about his switch to west London, the midfielder said: “Now I’m with Fulham, I’m really happy and I’m glad to be part of the project.

“I spoke with the manager and he’s got some good ideas about the team, about the project, about everything he wants to do this season and I’m happy to be a part of it.”