Billy Sharp completes Southampton move

Billy Sharp has finalised his move from Doncaster Rovers to Southampton.

The transfer has reunited Sharp with Nigel Adkins, who was his manager during the early part of his career with Scunthorpe.

Sharp, 25, has admitted that Adkins played a key role in convincing him to join the Saints.

"I'm delighted. It has been a long time coming, but I am delighted to get it done, and now I am just looking forward to getting on the pitch and showing the fans what I can do," he told the club's official website.

"It's a massive club with huge ambitions, and that is the main reason. The gaffer and his coaching team was another reason and it felt right in my head too. I can't wait to get on with the challenge.

"I got on well with the fans at Doncaster and had an amazing time there and I'm gutted that I had to leave. That said, I am delighted that I am here and joining a really big club with a strong squad of players, hopefully I can be a cog in the team that helps get this huge club into the Premier League."

Sharp has been handed the vacant number 11 shirt at St Mary's.