Southampton signs defender Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan

Southampton completed its first signing of the summer with the capture of Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan.

The Polish defender, who recently competed with the national team at the Under-21 European Championship in his home country, put pen to paper on a five-year contract that will keep him with the south-coast outfit until 2022.

(Photo courtesy: Southampton)

Bednarek, who will join his new teammates later this month for pre-season training, described joining the Saints as a "dream come true."

"I am so happy that I could join a club like Southampton," he said. "This is the moment I have worked for that makes my dreams come true.

"It only gives me motivation to work hard, to show my skills, and to help Southampton to get better and better."

The 21-year-old's arrival coincides with numerous reports suggesting that rival clubs are lining up bids to sign Saints centre-back Virgil van Dijk. But the club has remained adamant that the Dutch international will not be sold this summer.

The Premier League side also announced defender Jack Stephens, 23, has signed a new five-year contract. Meanwhile, Sam Gallagher, who was on loan with Blackburn Rovers last term, also put pen to paper on a new deal that will tie the 21-year-old forward to the club until 2021.