SAINTS signing Maxwel Cornet revealed he spoke to manager Russell Martin and former teammate Flynn Downes before signing at St Mary's.

The pair convinced him to switch London for Southampton as the 27 year old signed from West Ham United on loan for the campaign.

Former Burnley and Lyon winger Cornet brings with him more than 100 matches of experience across the Premier League and UEFA competitions.

His best spell saw him net nine goals in 26 Premier League matches with Burnley during the 2021/22 season, in which he scored a brace at Saints. 

"It was a long deadline day but it's finally done and I am happy to be here. I am excited to start working with the club," Cornet said. 

"I heard of the interest from Southampton for the first time five days before the end of the transfer window, and I had a chat with the manager. 

"The way that he spoke to me was really good and he convinced me to change my club and I am really happy."

The Ivory Coast international added: "I know Flynn from playing together at West Ham, and I know Charlie Taylor from Burnley and we had a good time.

"I asked Flynn about the club and the training ground before I joined. He told me everything is amazing so I said, 'Okay, let's go."

Cornet was in attendance for Southampton's 3-1 defeat at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday - and was undeterred by the result. 

He insisted: "I went to the stadium at Brentford to watch the game. We did not win but the way that the team plays, I really like it.

"We want to play football, even with young players. They are quality young players. I am pretty sure we will do something this season. 

"With my experience with the number of games I've played, I will try to do my maximum to help and be decisive for the team. That's what I'm here for.

"I really enjoyed playing in the Premier League. The last two years I didn't play a lot so I'm really happy to be here and back into the business."

Cornet signed for West Ham in 2022 but only scored once in 37 appearances for the Hammers across an injury-hit spell.

He can operate anywhere across a front line and has an international break to get up to speed, after missing pre-season with the Irons. 

"I'm quite versatile but the last two years I have played on the left side," Cornet explained. 

"I can also play on the right side. I'm used to playing on the right side when I went to Lyon. This is not something new for me.

"I think for me the break is a good time because I will train with the lads and understand more what the manager wants from me.

"It's a good time to see how we can set up and adapt. I will be ready for the game whenever the gaffer chooses to use me. 

"I want to score more goals, I like to score goals. But the most important thing for me is to help the team win and stay in the Premier League."