Inter have announced the arrival of Southampton right-back Cedric Soares on loan for the rest of the season.
Luciano Spalletti’s side have been on the market for a new full-back all month and have landed Soares after cooling their interest in Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian.
United wanted Inter to commit €12m to signing Darmian this month but that was deemed too expensive given the fact he has entered the final 18 months of his contract.
Inter have reportedly agreed to pay Southampton €500k as a loan fee for Soares and have the option to make his move permanent at the end of the season for a further €11m.
Soares had endured a torrid season for Southampton and was even usurped in the pecking order by 19-year-old Yan Valery under new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Southampton have a startling better win ratio in the Premier League when Soares hasn’t started this season (57.1%) compared to when he has featured from the off (6.3%).
Soares will now provide competition at right-back with the likes of Danilo D’Ambrosio and Sime Vrsaljko at Inter and Spalletti’s side will desperately hope he can rediscover his best form.
Since August 2016, only Andros Townsend (90) has completed more crosses (excluding corners) than Soares (85) in the Premier League.
