New arrival Lyanco is highly-rated at Southampton but may need time to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What's the latest news on Lyanco?

Lyanco became Southampton's seventh signing of the summer transfer window when he joined from Italian side Torino days before the deadline.

The 24-year-old, who has penned a four-year deal at St Mary's, opted to head to the south coast despite interest from Serie A outfit Udinese and newly-promoted Premier League side Watford.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was keen to strengthen his defensive options after seeing Jannik Vestergaard depart for Leicester City in a £15million deal.

Left-back Ryan Bertrand also headed to the King Power Stadium after his Saints contract expired during the summer.

Lyanco has moved to the Premier League after making 25 appearances for Torino last season.

The Brazil under-23s international made his Southampton debut in the nail-biting League Cup third round win over Sheffield United in midweek, having been an unused substitute for the top flight meetings with West Ham United and Manchester City.

Following Lyanco's debut, Hasenhuttl claimed the defender still has plenty to learn.

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What has Tom Barclay said about Lyanco?

Just a matter of days after enjoying his first taste of English football, Barclay believes Hasenhuttl could hand Lyanco his first Premier League appearance when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit St Mary's on Sunday.

The journalist also feels Lyanco is highly-rated at St Mary's and, when given the chance, will prove to be a shrewd piece of business.

Barclay told GMS: "He's got good pedigree, coming in from Torino, so this isn't someone who's making their first steps in professional football.

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"He hasn't played in the Premier League before and probably wants more time to adapt, but they've clearly seen something in him to bring him in. He might well come into the team."

Who could Lyanco replace in the Saints' backline?

The obvious answer would be Jack Stephens after he was forced off in the first half of Saints' goalless draw with Manchester City last weekend.

Hasenhuttl has since confirmed that Stephens sustained a tendon problem in his knee and will be out of action for between 10 and 12 weeks, meaning he is a certainty to be absent for the clash with Wolves this weekend.

Stephens' injury comes as a huge blow to Southampton as the central defender had not missed a single minute of the season ahead of his substitution against the reigning Premier League champions.

The 27-year-old also played a key role in Saints keeping three clean sheets in the early stages of the campaign.