Southampton complete signing of Sharp

Southampton have beaten off competition from West Ham and Leicester to complete the signing of Billy Sharp from Doncaster.

The striker, who has scored 10 goals in 20 appearances this season, was also offered a new contract to stay at the Keepmoat Stadium but he has instead penned a three-and-a-half-year deal at St Mary's and joins for an undisclosed fee.

Sharp, who turns 26 next week, told the club's official website: "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.

"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."