SAINTS have announced the signing of 16 year old midfielder Walter Nutter, who will link up with the club's under-18s team this season.
Nutter departed Chelsea this summer, having made 14 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, recording two goals and three assists.
The youngster played against Saints twice and set up an equalising goal in a 4-3 win for the fourth-placed Blues at Cobham in April.
After signing his deal, Nutter said: "I'm very excited for a new opportunity, Southampton are a good side and the pathway here is very good as well.
"Andrew Surman has had an unbelievable career and seems like a very good coach, so I thought I'd fit in and hopefully it's somewhere I can excel."
Academy manager, Duncan Fearnhead added: "We are delighted to welcome Walter to the club, he's a talented player who has impressed playing up the age groups in recent seasons.
"He's got experience in the U18s Premier League already, so we hope he'll be a valuable addition to our Under-18s squad."
Sources have suggested that Chelsea were keen to keep Nutter, who opted to depart the London side in favour of signing a deal with Saints.
