Southampton sign Maya Yoshida, Japan's Olympic captain

Southampton have completed the signing of Japan defender Maya Yoshida, subject to international clearance.

Yoshida, 24, moves to the Premier League from Dutch mid-table Eredivisie side VVV-Venlo on a three-year deal.

The centre back, capped 17 times by his country, captained Japan to fourth at the London Olympics, scoring in their 3-0 last-eight win over Egypt.

"To come to the Premier League was one of my biggest dreams since I was a child," Yoshida said in a statement.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins added: "He is good with both feet and has a good physical presence about him."

Yoshida becomes the second Japan international at St Mary's, joining international team-mate Tadanari Lee.