SAINTS have completed the signing of defender Tino Livramento, arriving from Chelsea on a five-year contract.

The highly-rated 18-year-old had reportedly been close to a move to Brighton & Hove Albion, having also been linked with a host of clubs across the Premier League and Europe.

But Saints have swooped to complete the deal for the right-back, who was last season named Chelsea academy player of the year.

Livramento, who was named on the bench for Chelsea's Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City towards the end of last season, can also operate from left-back.

He is the second young player to arrive at Saints from Chelsea this summer, following the addition of Dynel Simeu, after his contract with the Blues expired.

While no fee has officially been announced, reports suggest a deal could reach around £5million.

Croydon-born Livramento, who joined Chelsea at under-9s level, has featured for England at youth level.

Reports suggest a buyback clause of around £25million has been included in the deal between Saints and Chelsea.

Livramento is expected to go straight into Saints' first-team squad to compete with the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters and Romain Perraud for a starting berth.

Saints said in a statement: "Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce it has completed the signing of exciting young full-back Tino Livramento from Chelsea.

"A highly sought-after talent, Livramento arrives at St Mary’s on a five-year contract, bolstering Ralph Hasenhüttl’s squad ahead of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign."