Rasiak failed to make a good impression at Tottenham

Saints head coach George Burley also signed Leeds midfielder Jermaine Wright on an initial month's loan.

Poland international Rasiak, 27, will again join forces with Burley, who he played under at Derby last season.

Wright also previously played under Burley at Ipswich before joining Leeds in June 2004.

Rasiak joined Spurs at the start of the season for �2m, but failed to hold down a regular place at White Hart Lane.

Burley signed Rasiak for Derby last season on a free transfer after the striker's move to Italian club Siena broke down.

Southampton have struggled for goals in the Championship this season and Burley will hope Rasiak can provide the goals to fire Saints clear of a flirtation with a second successive relegation.

I'm disappointed it hasn't worked out better but it's right that both sides now move on Spurs boss Martin Jol

Saints wanted to sign Rasiak during the January transfer window but Spurs were reluctant to let him go while Mido was on African Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.

Mido is set to return to Tottenham after being thrown out of Egypt's squad following a row with the head coach.

Burley said: "I'm delighted we have got him. He's a goalscorer who will give the squad a lift.

"He's a current Polish international who is looking forward to playing in the World Cup.

"He's got a good pedigree. He got 19 goals for me at Derby last season and then moved to Spurs for �2m.

"He has outstanding ability. He's a good goalscorer, strong in the air and his touch is very good."

Rasiak made four Premiership starts in a total of nine appearances at White Hart Lane.

Spurs boss Martin Jol said: "He was a player we needed time with in an ideal world but this is the Premiership and time is a luxury we don't have.

"I have talked with him and I know he's unhappy about his time with us, and that's to be expected.

"I'm disappointed it hasn't worked out better but it's right that both sides now move on."

Rasiak could make his Saints debut at Championship leaders Reading on Friday night.

He told Saints website: "I'm happy to be working with George Burley again, wherever he's gone he has created great teams.

"I like his vision of the game and he likes to play attacking football.

"It was hard for me at Tottenham because I didn't play much and I need to be playing regularly ready for the World Cup."

Former Crewe, Wolves and Doncster midfielder Wright moved to Leeds from Ipswich in 2004.

Wright failed to command a regular first-team place at Elland Road, making 36 league appearances.

He has agreed an initial one-month loan deal at St Mary's although that could be extended.