SADIO MANE has joined Liverpoool from Southampton in a £30 million deal, making him the club's third most expensive signing ever.

The Senegal international put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Anfield today after weeks of speculation over his future.

Only Andy Carroll, who cost the Reds £35 million, and last summer's £32.5 million recruit Christian Benteke have arrived for higher fees than the Saints winger.Glasgow Times: Sadio Mane is on the brink of completing his move to Liverpool

Mane, who will wear the number 19 shirt at his new club, becomes the fourth signing made by Jurgen Klopp's side this summer after Joel Matip, Marko Grujic and Loris Karius were all brought in.

“Today is a big day and I am very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe," he said to Liverpool's website.

“It’s a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history.

“Now I am looking forward to meeting all the staff and my teammates and starting the season.”

The 24-year-old scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for Southampton and has 10 international strikes in 36 caps for his country.