Lovren follows Lambert and Lallana to Liverpool

Croatia centre-back Dejan Lovren has signed for UEFA Champions League contenders Liverpool FC, becoming the third player to leave Southampton FC for Merseyside this summer.

The 25-year-old links up with former Southampton club-mates Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana after putting pen to paper on a long-term deal. "It's a dream come true. I'm happy and glad to be here. I'm proud and can't wait to start," he told the club's official website. "I know we have millions and millions of supporters – Liverpool is more than a club.

"After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: 'One day I hope I'll be able to play here for Liverpool'. The fans will know from the first minute that I'm a player that will give 100% on the pitch."

After rising through the ranks at GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Lovren moved to Olympique Lyonnais in 2010, making 72 Ligue 1 appearances. He was subsequently snapped up by Southampton last June and scored in a 1-0 win at Liverpool as the club finished eighth in the 2013/14 Premier League. He has been capped 28 times by his country. 

Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool manager
This is a very important signing for us and I'm delighted it's completed so Dejan can join up with us on our US tour. He is a commanding and powerful presence and clearly has leadership skills, which is important; he fits the profile of player we are looking for.

He is still relatively young, so his peak years are ahead of him and I believe he will improve and progress even further with us. I'm looking forward to him arriving and working with us as we continue our preparations for the new season.