BRAZILIAN giants Flamengo have officially confirmed the signing of midfielder Charly Alcaraz from Saints, for a fee around £15million.

Argentinian Alcaraz, 21, has returned to South America having joined Saints in January 2023 from Racing Club.

Alcaraz signed a new long-term contract in October but has fallen out of favour at St Mary's and spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.

Saints are yet to confirm Alcaraz's exit themselves. An announcement is likely to follow within the next 24 hours.

Manager Russell Martin revealed the sale of Alcaraz will allow Saints to pursue other players who can "really help" them this season.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "It helps us financially. Carlos is a really talented player but his attributes probably suit a different style.

"He's a great guy. I've enjoyed working with him. If he stays, it's not a problem. I think he's at a stage in his career where he wants to play every week.

"We'll have to wait and see on that one but I think if he goes, it's a good deal for us and it's a good deal for Carlos.

"He goes with nothing but positive things hopefully to say about the club and us to say about him.

"It'll be a good deal for us and it means we can probably have players that can really help us in the next few days."

As a part of the deal to sign Alcaraz, Flamengo's Victor Hugo will be joining Sport Republic club Goztepe on a loan deal.

The deal includes a buy option for Hugo, who is set to undergo a medical in Izmir on Friday.