SAINTS have confirmed the signing of hot prospect Dynel Simeu after his contract expired at Chelsea.

The highly-rated young centre-back has agreed a three-year deal at St Mary’s and is likely to link up with the club’s B team before making the step into the first-team squad.

Sought-after Simeu played for Chelsea’s academy since the age of 13, developing into one of the brightest talents in the Blues’ ranks.

The England under-19 international both captained and featured consistently for the Chelsea under-23s team that finished second in Premier League 2 last season.

He also had experience of the first-team environment at Stamford Bridge, including making the bench in a Champions League tie away to Bayern Munich back in August 2020.

The 19-year-old wrote on Twitter on Monday: “Unfortunately it’s time to say my goodbyes to @chelseafc. I have spent 6 great years at the club. Grown from a young boy to a man.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Chelsea staff for giving me a platform to become a professional footballer. Teammates who have become very good friends. Supporters who have followed my journey. However I am ready to begin a new challenge elsewhere.”