Saints complete Bree signing

The right-back moves to St Mary’s on a three-and-a-half-year contract, becoming the third new arrival of the month, following on from the transfers of Mislav Oršić and Carlos Alcaraz.

Bree, 25, has been a mainstay in the Luton side since moving to Kenilworth Road from Aston Villa in 2019.

He has made 143 appearances for the Hatters, playing a key role in helping them reach the Championship play-offs last season, while again contributing significantly to their promotion push in the current campaign.

Southampton manager Nathan Jones said: “James is obviously someone who I know well from our time together at Luton, and he has the qualities both on the pitch and also in terms of his character to help us here.

“While we have really talented players in the full-back positions, we have been lighter on numbers than we would have liked, so the addition of James to the squad really helps us to address that. He’s also comfortable playing at centre-back too, so that versatility helps gives us another good option in a number of areas.”

James Bree said: "I'm absolutely delighted. As soon as I had the chance to come to this huge club, a Premier League opportunity for myself as well, and obviously get to work with my old gaffer, I knew it was the right decision straight away and I didn't have to think twice about it.

"It's something I've dreamed of since I was a little kid, making my Premier League debut and obviously for a team as big as Southampton. It's something you dare to dream about.”