Saphir Taider joins Southampton on loan from Inter Milan

Southampton have announced the signing of midfielder Saphir Taider from Inter Milan on loan for the season with striker Dani Osvaldo heading in the opposite direction,according to Mail on line.

The Algerian international has signed on an initial season-long loan with a view to a £7million permanent deal after passing a medical on Tuesday.

Taider, 22, who was also offered to West Ham earlier in the window, represented Algeria at the World Cup and will relieve Saints fans after so many star players have left this summer.

Manager Ronald Koeman said: ‘He is a talented football player. He’s 22 and has already played for Algeria at the WorldCup.

‘It’s our philosophy to bring in talented young players who like to learn and develop, and that’s true of Saphir.

’I’ve spoken to him about the positions he can play. It was a good meeting – he showed me real ambition.

‘Taider brings quality and we need that. We need competition in the squad as well and that will be good.’

Taider was part of Algeria’s World Cup squad that made the last 16, eventually losing to Germany.

M.D