RALPH Hasenhuttl expressed his excitement at the signing of teenager Tino Livramento, explaining: "He is one of the best young players in his position in the country."

Livramento arrived at Saints yesterday from Chelsea, penning a five-year contract.

The 18-year-old full-back will go straight into Hasenhuttl's first-team squad to compete with the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, Yan Valery and Romain Perraud for a starting spot.

Discussing the signing of Livramento, Hasenhuttl told the club website: "I am very pleased we have been able to secure Tino’s signing.

“He is one of the best young players in his position in the country and there were a lot of clubs who were interested in signing him, but finally he chose to join us.

“I think he has made a very good choice, and this will be an excellent place for him to continue his development and hopefully reach his full potential.

“He is very much in line with the profile of player we want and I think he will adapt very well to our system and methods. To be around the first team of Chelsea at his age speaks about his ability.”