Southampton have completed the signing of former Blackburn Rovers favourite Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Chilean forward left Rovers at the end of his contract last summer, signing for Villarreal on a four-year deal. The move didn't work out though and he return to England six months later.

That was with Sheffield United and although the Blades were relegated, the 25-year-old scored six goals in 14 appearances and impressed.

Enough so that the Saints have swooped for him and signed him permanently. They're thought to have spent around £7million for his services, bringing him to the Premier League on a four-year contract.

READ MORE: RECENT ROVERS LOANEE MAKES PERMANENT CHAMPIONSHIP SWITCH

“I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s been smooth these past couple of days, and I’m happy to get everything sorted and signed," Brereton Diaz told the club site.

"I’m really excited to meet everyone, it’s great to be involved with this great club.

“Watching the club when I was younger, it was always in the Premier League. Obviously last season, the way the team played, they went down but they bounced straight back up as a team. 

"Also the gaffer as well – everything has aligned together, and I think it’s an amazing club. I can’t wait to get started.”

Russell Martin said: “I’m really delighted to welcome Ben to the group. He’s a versatile and intelligent footballer, capable of playing in a number of positions across the forward line.

“He is a strong, powerful runner and a confident finisher with a good goalscoring record, including last season’s spell in the Premier League in which he adapted to the level extremely quickly.

“He is a proper team player and the sort of hard-working, hungry character we want in our squad. His athleticism and physicality make him a great fit for the Premier League, and we think he has all the tools to add to our attacking options.”

Brereton Diaz scored 47 goals in 177 games at Rovers, with 38 of those coming in his final two years at the club.