Steven Caulker joins Southampton on loan

Southampton have signed Steven Caulker on a season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the R's this summer following their relegation to the Championship.

On Tuesday, a report claimed that QPR were willing to loan out the England international in a bid to get his wages off the books and Southampton have now secured the centre-back until next summer.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton have paid £1.2m to take Caulker on loan, while they will also cover all of his wages.

"I'm very pleased and very excited. This club has done fantastically well, especially over the last two years," Caulker told the club's official website.

"To now join this club and to be a part of it for this year is something I've proud of. As soon as I got the phone call to say a fee was agreed with Southampton, I was delighted to get the opportunity to come and play under a great manager.

"This club is an ambitious one, so to be part of this is a great opportunity – it's a chance for me to prove myself. I'm very excited for the season ahead."

Caulker, who has also had spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City, will wear the number 26 shirt for the Saints next season.