Paulo Gazzaniga. Picture by Ady Kerry.

Keeper signs four year deal at Saints

Gillingham’s Paulo Gazzaniga has joined Premier League new-boys Southampton on a four-year deal ending weeks of speculation.

The club announced he has signed for an undisclosed fee, that has reported to be £2.5m.

The Argentinian 20-year-old has long been in for a move away from Priestfield after a string of impressive displays last season when he was initially drafted in for cover for the injured Ross Flitney.

Andy Hessenthaler brought him to the club on a free transfer after he was released by Spannish giants Valencia last summer.

As part of the deal Southampton keeper Tommy Forecast will join Gillingham on a season-long loan.

Gazzaniga told the club’s official website: “I am very happy because signing for a Premier League team is a dream.

“It’s mad because I only played a few matches last season - it’s a crazy sitaution.

“The club has a lot of ambition, so I was eager to sign. I can’t wait to get started.”

Manager Nigel Adkins said: “We have been looking for a young, hungry goalkeeper and Paulo fitted that mould.

“We are delighted that we have secured his services and that he has come out to Evian to join up with the group.

“He will be in an environment that we think will help him improve under the guidance of our goalkee[ing coach Jim Stannard and Kelvin Davis who has a lot of experience and I know that he will take him under his wing.”