Saints have made a last gasp swoop to sign Hungarian defender Zoltan Liptak.

The 24-year-old 6ft 4in centre half has joined on loan until the end of the season from Ujpest FC but he won’t be considered until Saturday’s match at Watford.

Liptak has previously had a loan spell at Stevenage and trials at Huddersfield and Southend.

The transfer window has now closed and the club have confirmed that there have been no departures today.

Wotte said: “He is a player we have been looking at for a short while and he impressed us in a recent behind closed doors friendly with how powerful he is in the air.

“He is extremely composed on the ball and gives us more options in our defensive positions.

“I am happy that we can add his quality to the team, and with his height and technical abilities I am positive he will fit in very well in this league.

“After Jack Cork and Alex Pearce left the club and the injuries to Wayne Thomas and Michael Svensson I felt that it was the right thing to bring in a centre back in order to compete with Oliver Lancashire, Jan-Paul Saeijs and Chris Perry for the central defensive positions.”

Liptak added: “I am very happy to join Southampton and hope to help the Club climb out of the relegation zone and up the league.”