Dani Osvaldo’s expensive spell at Southampton is over, although it has come at a cost of around £25 million to the club.

Much had been expected of the 29-year-old after he swapped Roma for the south coast of England in August 2013, joining in a club-record deal that could have been worth up to £14.6 million.

However, just 166 days later Osvaldo was shipped off on loan to Juventus after head-butting captain Jose Fonte, before spending spells at Inter and Boca Juniors last term.

Now, Southampton have cut their losses, terminating the Italy international’s contract with two years remaining.

A statement on the club’s official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk, said: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has terminated the contract of striker Dani Osvaldo. The Italian international, who has not played for the club since January 2014, yesterday completed a loan spell with Argentinian club Boca Juniors.”

It is believed that Osvaldo’s stay at Southampton cost in the region of £25 million, when taking into account the transfer fee, wages and pay-off – that would mean the forward’s three goals in 14 Premier League appearances cost just over £8 million each.