Shandong sign Saints’ Pelle

Southampton have confirmed the sale of Italy international Graziano Pellè, with the striker joining Chinese club Shandong Luneng for an undisclosed fee.

Pellè, who turns 31 this week, has reportedly put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal with the Chinese outfit, with the transfer fee thought to be in the region of £12m.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Everyone at Southampton would like to thank Graziano for his efforts during his time at St Mary's and wish him well for the future."

Pellè's transfer to Shandong follows just days after the Chinese club secured the services of Papiss Cissé from Newcastle United.

He is also the third Southampton player to depart the Premier League club in the off-season, after Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mané joined league rivals Tottenham and Liverpool respectively.

Pellè joined the Saints from Dutch club Feyenoord in 2014 and went on to make 81 appearances, scoring 30 goals in the process.