Southampton sell Graziano Pelle to Chinese club Shandong Luneng

ByEurosport

Updated 11/07/2016 at 12:56 GMT

Italy and Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has joined Shandong Luneng for a reported fee of £13 million.

Rumours that the centre-forward would be heading to China in a big money move had been gathering pace rapidly, and the news was confirmed on Monday afternoon.

Southampton have not confirmed the transfer fee, but several reports claim it is in the region of £13m.

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Pelle was Italy’s top scorer at Euro 2016 with two goals, prompting links to Juventus or Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.

The well-travelled hitman heads to the Chinese Super League just a few days before he turns 31.

He found fame initially in Holland with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord before moving to Southampton for €11m in 2014.

Pelle made 81 appearances during two successful campaigns with the Premier League club, scoring 30 goals

His new club - which is based in the city of Jinan, capital of Shandong province - have also signed Papiss Cisse this summer.

And reinforcements are sorely needed: the side currently sit second from bottom in the CSL, with just three wins in 16 matches so far this season.

Southampton's Graziano Pelle celebrates scoring

Image credit: Reuters

Additional reporting via Football Italia

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