Saints boss George Burley insisted he was always confident Marek Saganowski would be plying his trade at St Mary's next season.

After the Polish striker starred on loan at Saints from French Division Two side Troyes in the second half of last season, when he bagged 10 goals from 13 starts, Burley made tying Saganowski to a permanent deal one of his priorities this summer.

But Saganowski's form prompted interest from Championship rivals Leicester, Burnley and Watford.

And a delay in finalising the deal, which was announced by Troyes at the start of June, sparked fears in some quarters that the front-man could be stolen from Saints' clutches.

Burley though said he felt safe in the knowledge that he always had the striker's word.

The Saints boss said: "It has been pending for a while but I am delighted everything is sorted. I know Marek and his agent and he was always keen to come.

"We were always his first choice, it was just a case of tying a few things up, but we always felt confident he was going to sign on a permanent basis".

And Burley was understandably delighted after seeing Saganowski put his signature to a three-year contract.

He said: "Marek was always somebody that was always going to be number one choice to signed on a permanent basis so I am very pleased.

"He was exceptional for us in his six month loan spell. He showed his qualities scoring 10 or 11 goals in that period and he fitted in well.

"So it was always my intention to try and make it permanent and I felt that that was very important for the new season that we got him on a permanent basis - and we have managed to do that.

"He has got himself back in the national team he is very enthusiastic type of player, a player that can play alongside any type of striker so he is a great acquisition for us for the new season".