Ryan Bertrand joins Southampton from Chelsea on season-long loan
Southampton have announced the signing of Chelsea left-back Ryan Bertrand on a season-long loan.
Press Association Sport understands the south-coast club have the option to buy Bertrand outright next summer.
Bertrand has been with the Blues since 2006 but has found action hard to come by, spending last season on loan at Aston Villa.
Saints' CEO Gareth Rogers told the club's official website: "Ryan is a young, attacking full-back and will fit in perfectly with the club's philosophy and style of play.
"This is another important step forward in terms of rebuilding our first-team squad with exciting English talent at its core."
First team manager Ronald Koeman added: "I'm very happy to be able to bring Ryan in.
"I spoke to him on Monday afternoon and I was very impressed with his attitude and how keen he was to play games for Southampton.
"He is a top player who will bring a lot of quality to the team. He has experience at the highest level and is an exciting, attacking player, which is what I like to see in my full-backs."
The Bertrand loan move is welcome news for Southampton fans who have seen a succession of players leave the Barclays Premier League club since eighth place was secured in May.
Bertrand is expected to take Luke Shaw's place at left-back, following the latter's move to Manchester United. Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren have all moved to Liverpool, while Calum Chambers has joined Arsenal.
Southampton have pocketed almost £100 million ($169 million) for the combined deals, with chairman Ralph Krueger refuting reports that Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin would also be leaving.
