SOUTHAMPTON have signed Chile international forward Ben Brereton Diaz ahead of their pre-season friendly at Oxford United.

The U’s welcome the Saints to Grenoble Road tomorrow night, with Brereton Diaz arriving on a four-year deal from Villarreal.

The 25-year-old came through the academy at Nottingham Forest, before joining Blackburn Rovers in January 2019.

He scored 47 goals in 160 games, and then joined Villarreal last summer. Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, netting six times in 14 Premier League matches.

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He told the Saints club website: “I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s been smooth these past couple of days, and I’m happy to get everything sorted and signed.

“I’m really excited to meet everyone, it’s great to be involved with this great club.”

Saints boss Russell Martin added: “I’m really delighted to welcome Ben to the group. He’s a versatile and intelligent footballer, capable of playing in a number of positions across the forward line.

“He is a strong, powerful runner and a confident finisher with a good goalscoring record, including last season’s spell in the Premier League in which he adapted to the level extremely quickly.

“He is a proper team player and the sort of hard-working, hungry character we want in our squad.

“His athleticism and physicality makes him a great fit for the Premier League, and we think he has all the tools to add to our attacking options.”

Brereton Diaz qualifies for Chile through his mother, and has scored seven goals in 33 caps.