Southampton full-back Cedric Soares joins Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season

Southampton’s Cedric Soares has completed his move to Inter Milan on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to buy the defender for £9.5m in the summer.

The right-back, 27, has played more than 100 games for Saints – scoring two goals since signing in 2015.

Soares’ arrival was prompted by Inter’s growing injury problems over Sime Vrsaljko, who is on loan from Atletico Madrid.

There have been a number of departures from St Mary’s this month as new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl attempts to reshape his squad – with Manolo Gabbiadini, Steven Davis and Wesley Hoedt all leaving the club too.

Cedric joined Southampton in 2015 in a £4.7million deal from Sporting Lisbon and has struggled for game time under Hasenhuttl.