EXCITING new recruit Dynel Simeu is hopeful of boosting Saints’ squad and insisted: “I see myself as a leader.”

The highly-rated young centre-back agreed a three-year deal at St Mary’s on Wednesday.

He 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.

And Simeu, who was born in Yaounde in Cameroon, is looking to transfer his leadership qualities into the ranks at St Mary’s.

He told the club website: "I see myself as a leader, so I hope to keep the boys calm, keep everyone happy and guide players on the pitch. Show that I can do my job, on the ball and also defensively.

"I've got quite a bit of experience, I've played against these boys during Premier League 2. So I feel like I'll fit in perfectly and hopefully give a real boost to the squad.”