SOUTHAMPTON have completed the signing of Charlie Austin, the Daily Echo understands.

The striker completed his medical at St Mary's, ahead of a move from Championship side QPR.

He has joined on a four-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £4m.

Ronald Koeman has been saying recently that his one ambition this transfer window was to bring in a new striker.

Austin has long been on the radar of Saints' scouts and has long been linked with a move to St Mary's.

In his career, he has scored 118 goals in 195 league starts.

He has signed too late to feature in today's match and will join up with his new team mates on Monday.

Speaking to the club's website, Austin said: “I'm delighted to have got it over the line so soon into January. I can't wait to get started now.

"As soon as Southampton showed an interest that was the one club I wanted to go to.

"You see the progression from when I was playing against Southampton for Swindon. For me, it was important to come to a club that's on the up and that's what I've got here.

Daily Echo:

“To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to move until the summer, but as soon as Southampton showed an interest in me, it was the one club I wanted to go to.

“If we could get the deal as soon as possible I was ready to go, and lucky enough it’s now and I’m delighted.”

Austin will be wearing the number 28 shirt for Saints.