DORCHESTER Town have signed highly-rated goalkeeper Jack Bycroft on loan from Premier League side Southampton until the end of the season.

Bycroft joins the Magpies a matter of hours after the Saints announced a successful takeover by Sport Republic.

He has made 15 appearances for Southampton's B side this season, keeping five straight clean sheets in October and November.

The 20-year-old made 14 appearances in the National League for Weymouth last season, keeping two clean sheets.

However, he returned to St Mary's last January when the Terras signed Ethan Ross from Lincoln.

Bycroft was rewarded by Saints with a new three-year deal and links up with Dorchester alongside another young keeper in Harry Lee.

Dorchester have moved to bolster their options between the sticks after Gerard Benfield was recalled by Weymouth before Christmas.

Bycroft could make his debut for the Magpies against Taunton on Saturday (3pm).