Lovren completes Liverpool move

Croatia international Dejan Lovren has completed his move to Liverpool for a £20 million sum, becoming the most expensive defender in Liverpool history, surpassing the previous £18.6 million that the Reds paid Paris Saint-Germain for Mamadou Sakho last September.

Lovren, who has been Brendan Rodgers' main target for central defence all summer, agreed terms on a five-year contract after he completed a medical on Merseyside.

He will join up with Brendan Rodgers' squad on their pre-season tour of the United States.

A statement from the Anfield club on Sunday read: "Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of defender Dejan Lovren from Southampton. The 25-year-old Croatian international today put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after completing his medical."

Lovren added: "It's a dream come true. I'm happy and glad to be here. I'm proud and can't wait to start. I know we have millions and millions of supporters - Liverpool is more than a club. After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: 'one day I hope I'll be able to play here for Liverpool'.

Lovren joined Southampton from Lyon in June last year, and enjoyed an impressive first season in the Premier League.

A regular for his country, the centre-back started all three of Croatia's games at the World Cup in Brazil.

He becomes the third player to make the switch from Southampton to Liverpool this transfer season, following Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana to Merseyside.