Keeper Long completes permanent Southampton switch

Southampton have signed Norwich City goalkeeper George Long on a permanent deal.

The 32-year-old has agreed a two-year contract at St Mary's, having spent last season on loan with Saints.

Long spent the season as cover for Alex McCarthy, Gavin Bazunu and Daniel Peretz.

His only appearance came in Southampton's FA Cup fourth-round win over Leicester City.

Long has played more than 300 games in a career that has taken in clubs including Sheffield United, Hull City and Millwall.

He follows Peretz in making his loan spell permanent after the Israeli international signed a four-year deal for a fee reported to be around £6.05m (7m euros) last week.

"George's contribution should not be underestimated as a key part of our goalkeeping group whose professionalism is invaluable in driving standards at Staplewood day in, day out," Saints technical director Johannes Spors told the club website., external