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Southampton complete the signing of Lewis Dobbin(Image: Southampton FC via Getty Images)

Lewis Dobbin says Southampton were the only club he was interested in joining this summer, after completing his move from Aston Villa.

Having starred on loan at Preston North End last term, Dobbin was a player of interest to Middlesbrough this summer. However, with plenty of competition for his signature, he was one of just many forward options they had on their radar.

Dobbin signed a four-year contract at St Mary’s after Southampton agreed a deal with Villa for the versatile forward. With parachute payments to boost their finances, it’s understood they are paying almost £9m, plus the potential for future add-ons.

It was beyond what Boro were willing to pay, with limits on their spending under new squad Cost Rules (SCR) this season, and much work to be done on the transfer front in a number of positions in Kim Hellberg’s squad.

In his first interview as a Saints player, Dobbin said: “It’s an amazing feeling, I’m very grateful to be able to represent this club and to be given the opportunity to play for Southampton is something that I can’t ever take for granted. I’m just really thankful to be here and I can’t wait to get started.

“It’s been a busy few weeks, but Tonda was the first manager I spoke to and the way he spoke about the football club, the way he spoke about the players, it sold it to me straightaway.

“Obviously I played against the team last season and could see the quality they have, and I only think that will help improve my game massively. It feels like the right next step for me.

“You can see the quality throughout the squad - it’s a Premier League squad. They were really good against us (Preston) in the way they got after the ball and they pressed us.

“I think that definitely swayed my decision because I could see myself playing in a team like that, and I think it suits all the qualities I have. I’m really excited.”

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While Eckert remains head coach of Southampton, and is clearly helping to convince transfer targets on moving to the south coast club, there remains some doubt over his own future at the club.

Having admitted during the EFL investigation that he authorised the spying missions of his analysts which led to the Spygate scandal, he is now subject to what has been described as a ‘lengthy and detailed’ investigation by the Football Association.

If he is charged for his role in the scandal, he could face a lengthy ban, which would effectively make him unable to continue his role as head coach of Southampton. The club have defended Eckert though, and promise to fight against any such ban.

Boro, meanwhile, quickly accepted defeat in the race to sign Dobbin and are pursuing other forward targets, as well as players for a number of other roles they wish to strengthen this summer.