Southampton to sign Cristian Tello

Spanish international Cristian Tello is to join Southampton next week in a 12 million euro transfer deal. The Barcelona man has been told he is surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou.

The 24-year-old player, who can play as a forward or as a winger, spent last season on loan at Fiorentina and prior to that with Portuguese giants Porto. However, now he has returned to Spain, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has encouraged the player to move elsewhere.

Southampton are still looking for a long term replacement for Sadio Mane, who joined Liverpool as well as Graziano Pelle, who completed a transfer to China in the transfer window. Tello is believed to be an ideal replacement and what most interests the Saints is the player's versatility and comfort playing either on the flank or as a lone striker.