Saints seal Skacel deal

By Graeme Bailey  

Saints seal Skacel deal

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Southampton have sealed the signing of Czech star Rudi Skacel from Hearts.

George Burley, who was in charge of Skacel at Hearts, has been chasing the 27-year-old since he took charge at St Mary's.

Now after a long chase Skacel has signed a four-year deal with Southampton after the clubs agreed a fee believed to be £1.6 million.

"Rudi did fantastically well when I was at Hearts," Burley told the club's official website.

"He is a strong midfielder who is very good at set-plays and is always likely to score goals.

"Sometimes in football these things take time, but I'm sure he will be worth the wait. He has all the criteria we are looking for.

"To win promotion, you need players who can score from all over the pitch, and I am confident he can get into double figures from midfield."