Southampton have completed the loan signing of Steven Caulker - barely three weeks after the QPR defender reckoned he was staying put.

The man bought from Cardiff last season for £8 million will move south, initially on loan, and then for the same amount Hoops paid for him a year ago if it works, according to reports.

“For me at the moment, I am staying at QPR," Caulker claimed at the beginning of July.

"There is a much more positive vibe this year, everyone is feeling confident ahead of the season and we are looking to do good things."

Good fit: Steven Caulker (R) in action with Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor

A flood of fan reaction heaved a collective sigh of relief as a result, but it looks as if that hope is set to be dashed, although there was a clue. Note the word 'moment' - and it appears west London born-and-bred Caulker was true to his word.

Toby Alderweireld’s decision to join Tottenham and a serious knee injury sustained by Florin Gardos has heightened the need to bring in defensive reinforcements at St Mary’s.

Ronald Koeman has spoken of his wish to acquire at least one more centre-back, as well as add some extra height in defence - a role it appears Caulker will now help fill.

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