Cuco Martina: Southampton fill Clyne void by sealing deal for Twente defender

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Southampton have bolstered their ranks ahead of the new Premier League season by completing the signing of versatile Curacao defender Cuco Martina from FC Twente yesterday.
 
Read more: Dani Osvaldo sacked by Southampton
 
The 25-year-old, who can play at right-back or centre-half, has agreed a two-year deal and will help fill the void left by England defender Nathaniel Clyne’s £12.5m transfer to Liverpool last week.
 
Martina was born in Rotterdam and previously played for Dutch side RKC Waalwijk when Erwin Koeman – the current assistant manager of Southampton and brother of Saints boss Ronald – was in charge.
 
“Injuries to Ryan Bertrand and Bevis Mugabi highlighted the need to bring in another defender, and Cuco is the perfect solution,” said director of football Les Reed. 
 
Southampton remain keen to secure the permanent signing of Belgium’s Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid after a loan spell at St Mary’s Stadium last term, despite interest from Tottenham.