Southampton have completed a deal to sign Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez, who will move to the newly-promoted side for a reported £7 million.

The England under-21 international becomes the Saints' first summer signing since their elevation back to the Premier League, and breaks the club's transfer record.

Rodroguez has put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract and is looking forward to getting started with his new club.

"I'm really relieved that we've got it sorted now and it's done. I really can't wait for the start of the season, and the start of pre-season," he told the team's official website.

"This is a great club, a massive club and they're where they belong. It's a squad I want to be a part of and it's really exciting."

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins is delighted to have brought Rodriguez to St Mary's, and feels he will help the club in their bid for Premier League survival in 2012-13.

"Jay is an exciting young English prospect, so I am really happy he is our first signing of the summer.

"He is an excellent forward-thinking player who has already scored a lot of goals at a young age over the past couple of years.

"His characteristics are what we have been looking for," the coach concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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