It's been the worst kept secret of the last few weeks but it's finally been confirmed, Saints have signed Koln's USA International striker Damion Downs on a four year deal.

The Southampton FC Official Website has announced that Damion Downs has joined the club on a 4 year contract from FC Koln for a fee reported to be somewhere around £6-7 million.

The striker who turned 21 3 days ago arrives after playing for the USA under former Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino and last season scored 10 goals plus 5 assists as Koln won Bundesliga 2 in Germany.

In the precious season when Koln were relegated from the German top flight he scored twice in 10 games mainly as a sub in just 173 minutes on the pitch, that is a promising stat and in truth he arrives with plenty of potential but not a great track record as of yet.

Group Technical Director Johannes Spors said: “Damion is a player we have been monitoring for some time who possesses excellent physical qualities and the ability to disrupt defences.

“Strengthening our attacking options was one of our top priorities this summer, and Damion is a player who will add real quality to the group. Despite his relatively young age he is already a senior international, so we are excited to see him thrive in the environment here at Southampton.”

Damion Downs said: “Everybody plays football to win titles. To win my first title at 20 last year was a great feeling, and I hope to repeat it again this year.

“I think Southampton is a big club that should be in the Premier League, and that’s my goal – to help the team as much as I can to bring the club back to the Premier League.”

A warm welcome to St Mary's for Damion, lets hope that we have unearthed a good talent, to be fair it is about time we did up front.

All Photos Via Reuters