DEADLINE day signing Kevin Danso has highlighted manager Ralph Hasenhuttl as being a "pivotal" reason for joining Saints.

The defender joined the St Mary's side on loan in dramatic circumstances that had to see the club submit a deal sheet to the Premier League to ensure the transfer went through.

Danso, 20, has initially joined on a year-long loan from Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg, although Saints have an exclusive option to buy him permanently next summer.

Speaking to the official Southampton FC website, the Austrian international said: “It [deadline day] was a very nerve-wracking thing and I couldn’t really do much.

“I was just sitting there hoping the deal would go through and it was very last-minute but I’m happy to be here.

“He [Hasenhuttl] was very influential.

“I know him, and I know the work he has done in the Bundesliga.

“He is also Austrian, and I am Austrian. It was very pivotal for me and it was a part of the decision to come here.

“I’m ready to get to know him and his tactics. We haven’t talked in too much detail, but he said a few things he expects from me in general.” 

Danso, who was born in Austria, but moved to England when he was six, started his career at MK Dons when he joined their academy as a youngster.

He was then signed by Augsburg in 2014, with his first-team debut coming three years later. 

But after 45 appearances in the German top-flight, the central defender admitted it was always his intention to return to England.

He added: “It’s a boyhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League and it’s finally coming true.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League – especially for such a great club. I’m also looking forward to getting to know the lads and the fans.

“It’s very important that there isn’t a language barrier and that I’m used to the culture and everything here.

“It means that I can concentrate 100 per cent on my football and try to give everything I have got to try and help the team as much as possible.

“I think everyone knows that the Premier League is the toughest league in the world.

“It’s very physical and physically demanding but, hopefully, that won’t be too much of a problem for me. I’m looking forward to the new challenges it has to bring.”

Saints' Premier League started with a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Burnley after some errant defensive displays.

Hasenhuttl was targetting a central defender throughout the transfer window and Danso is hoping he will be given the chance to prove himself.

Even though he is just 20-years-old, the former MK Dons youngster has six international caps to his name.

“I’m physically quite imposing and I’m looking forward to bringing that against some of the top strikers in the league,” explained Danso.

“I’m looking to do as well as possible.

“I definitely want to finish as high up as possible in the table and to just help the team as much as possible. It’s a loan, but I’m ready to give 100 per cent and play for the badge.”