Saints sign Mayuka, pursue Ramirez

Southampton have signed Zambian international striker Emmanuel Mayuka and are still tracking Bologna star Gaston Ramirez.

The 21-year-old Mayuka has agreed to a five-year deal from Swiss club Young Boys after passing a medical on Wednesday and could come into the side to face Manchester United at St Mary’s on Sunday.

Mayuka bagged 32 goals in two seasons in Switzerland and claimed the golden boot for Zambia when they won the 2012 African Nations Cup.

“Emmanuel is a lightning-quick striker who I am sure will excite the fans,” Southampton manager Nigel Adkins told the club’s official site.

“He is only 21 years old but already has a great deal of experience, notably so at international level.

“He will bring something different to the group that we already have here at Southampton, and I look forward to seeing him pull on our shirt for the first time.”

Mayuka has been granted a work permit but the club is awaiting entry clearance for the deal to be fully ratified in time for Sunday’s fixture.

A coy Adkins also confirmed Southampton were continuing their pursuit of Uruguayan Ramirez, after seeing a 12-million-pound swoop for the playmaker fall through due to payment terms earlier in August.

But after Southampton’s 4-1 win over Stevenage in the League Cup on Tuesday, Adkins insisted the club’s chairman was still working hard to secure the deal before the transfer deadline.

“Until the pieces of paper are signed you can never say it’s done but the chairman is working exceptionally hard behind scenes and is backing us in what we do,” Adkins said.

“We are very ambitious and there is serious cash to be outlaid if it’s going to happen.”