SAINTS have today signed centre back Jose Fonte from Championship side Crystal Palace, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The Portuguese defender has committed to the club until the summer of 2013 for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £1.5m depending on various clauses.

Fonte, 26, has played more than 70 times for the south London side since coming to the UK in 2007.

He is a former Portuguese under-21 international who has been on the books of both Benfica and Sporting Lisbon in his homeland.

Speaking after the transfer was announced, Fonte said: ""I'm really happy to be at St Mary's.

"Don't get me wrong , I was happy at Crystal Palace and I had a good spell there. I have only good things to say to the fans and everybody I have worked with at the club.

"But I've made a decision and I'm very happy with it. I've come here with a purpose which is to help this club move to the top divisions.

"I'm very happy with this contract, and with how Southampton have treated me, so it's a happy day for me and I just want to help the club. I want to play in the Premier League and I think I can do that quickest by moving here."