Wednesday 1 February 2017 09:16, UK
Southampton have signed Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini on a four-and-a-half year contract.
The fee for the Italy striker is understood to be £14.5m plus £2.5m in add-ons with the 25-year-old set to have a medical on Tuesday.
The forward, who has been capped six times, played for Atalanta, Bologna on loan and Sampdoria before joining Napoli in January, 2015.
Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach were also reportedly interested in the player.
Speaking about his move to the club, Gabbiadini said: "I am very, very happy. Since I was a kid, one of my dreams was to perform in one of the biggest leagues in the world, so now that it's happening I can't wait to start playing.
"The facilities that I have seen here are an incredible level - top-level standards even for Serie A. These are the sort of facilities that make you want to come here and perform as soon as possible."
The fee surpasses the £16m Southampton spent on signing Sofiane Boufal from French club Lille last summer.
Southampton were keen to add an extra option up front having lost Charlie Austin to injury.
Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: "We are delighted to have secured the signing of Manolo Gabbiadini, ahead of a number of other clubs who were interested in him.
"We have followed his progress for a significant amount of time and have worked hard behind the scenes to agree a deal for him this month.
"At the age of 25, we believe Manolo can play an important part in the remainder of the season, while still having his best years ahead of him.
"Claude Puel's reputation for developing young players also makes this an ideal place in which he can take the next step in his career.
"With Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond all in good form, and Charlie Austin making encouraging progress in his return from injury, Manolo is another exciting addition to our attacking line-up ahead of the final months of the season, as well as for future campaigns."
Claude Puel's side are 11th in the Premier League and in the final of the EFL Cup.
