Saints star Hassan Kachloul and Euro 2000 winner Thierry Henry played a crucial role in Patrice Tano's decision to come to The Dell.

The exciting 18-year-old Ivory Coast striker agreed a four-year deal yesterday after impressing on the club's summer training camp in La Manga.

Tano, who has a French passport and does not need a work permit, bought out his contract with Monaco where he has spent the last three seasons.

And after completing a free transfer to Southampton subject to final medical checks, he revealed it was Kachloul and Henry who confirmed his instinct that this was the right move for him.

Tano speaks only a little English but talked at length with the French striker and the Moroccan midfielder.

He said: "I really enjoyed La Manga. The players were very welcoming and kind and that played a big part in my decision to sign.

"I know Thierry Henry who was at Monaco when I was there although he was four years ahead of me. I phoned him and he told me I would like England and the game here. He is a World Cup and European winner so he has plenty of experience and it was a view to respect.

"And Hassan told me it is a good club with good staff. He was very friendly and helped me a lot and that is why I signed here.

"In France the professionals do not talk to the youngsters much but all the Southampton players were good and Hassan was very helpful. I can learn a lot from him and he will help me to settle.

"I like England and especially the people and the game is good too. And of course Glenn Hoddle is a top coach - and he speaks French!"

Hoddle is currently on honeymoon in Sardinia but the deal was completed by chairman Rupert Lowe to the delight of assistant boss John Gorman who believes Saints have a real prospect on their hands.

He said: "He is a bit of a surprise package but he is young and should improve a lot. He has a an excellent first touch, he is quick and has good technique.

"He is one for the future but he is a very good prospect and he did very well in La Manga where he did not look out of place at all."

Saints have now sealed the free transfer of former Manchester City striker Uwe Rosler from Borussia Berlin.

They have received a signed commitment from the 31-year-old who will formally put pen to paper at the end of next week when he joins up with his new team-mates for pre-season training.

Gorman added: "I remember him when he was at Manchester City and he was a clinical finisher. City fans loved him.

"It went a bit sour for him after they were relegated and he went back to Germany but we have done our homework on him while he has been back in Germany and he has done well.

"He knows what he is coming to in the Premiership and we know what kind of person he is. And he has not cost us a fee so we have only had to find his wages."

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