Southampton have announced that central defender Maya Yoshida has joined Italian side Sampdoria on loan for the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign.

The 31-year-old has turned out for the Saints since 2012, making close to 200 appearances for the English club in all competitions.

Yoshida's contract will expire at the end of the season, though, and he has now completed a loan move to Sampdoria ahead of leaving Ralph Hasenhuttl's side on a free transfer.

"Everyone at Southampton would like to thank Maya for his years of dedicated service and we wish him every success in the coming months and beyond. You will always be welcome back at St Mary's, Maya," read a statement on Southampton's official website.

The Japan international has featured on 11 occasions for the Saints during the current season, although he has not been involved in the Premier League since the start of December.

Hasenhuttl's team have won five of their last seven in the league to rise into ninth spot in the table.