Southampton sign Croatian defender Dejan Lovren from Lyon

Southampton have completed the signing of highly-rated Croatian defender Dejan Lovren from Lyon.

The 23-year-old, who has played 17 times for his country, has signed a four-year deal at St Mary's.

Southampton moved quickly to secure the signing of Lovren, who was also being monitored by Tottenham and Inter Milan among others.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino and executive chairman Nicola Cortese are also working on several other deals.

Lovren moved to Lyon from Dynamo Zagreb in January 2010, and was part of the side that won the French Cup in 2012.

His 77th-minute equaliser against Wales in a World Cup qualifier last March proved vital when Croatia grabbed a late winning goal at the Liberty Stadium.