Liverpool completed a hat trick of summer signings from Southampton by signing defender Dejan Lovren on Sunday.

The Croatia international follows midfielder Adam Lallana and striker Rickie Lambert into Liverpool, which has spent more than $80 million on the trio as it tries to improve on last season's second-placed Premier League finish.

"(Lovren) is a commanding and powerful presence and clearly has leadership skills, which is important," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. "He fits the profile of player we are looking for. He is still relatively young, so his peak years are ahead of him and I believe he will improve and progress even further with us."

Lovren, whose Southampton side finished eighth last season, is now set to fly out to the United States to join Liverpool on its pre-season tour.

"I'm proud and can't wait to start," Lovren said. "I know we have millions and millions of supporters — Liverpool is more than a club.

"After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself, 'One day I hope I'll be able to play here for Liverpool'. The fans will know from the first minute that I'm a player that will give 100 per cent on the pitch."