Southampton have finalised the free transfer of Japan striker Tadanari Lee from Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

The Saints initially had a work permit application denied for the 26-year-old, but that decision was overturned on appeal.

"I am very excited to join Southampton. It has been a long process but I am now looking forward to joining my team-mates and playing football," said Lee.

"I feel good and ready and so will await the call from the manager on when I can put on the red and white shirt. I want to help the team to great things, we all want to get to the Premier League and I am the same."

The Japanese international fired the winning goal in the final of last year's Asian Cup as his country beat Australia.

Lee is in line to make his debut for Nigel adkins' men in their FA Cup fourth round clash at Millwall on Saturday, and Coral are best-priced at 8/5 about a Saints win.