Ivan Katalinic's 'tache

Results & performances dipped? Players unhappy with the manager? Rumours Puel can't settle in England? This sounds like a job for "by mutual consent"!

...according to the Metro: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/metro.co.uk/2017/04/20/shane-long-narrowly-beats-marcus-rashford-in-race-for-premier-leagues-quickest-player-6587346/amp/ Reads like they're gutted it's not Rashford!

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/15206195.Southampton_3_1_Crystal_Palace___Puel_sweats_on_Bertrand_fitness_but_is_delighted_after_victory/?ref=mac Bertrand had a slight hamstring strain according to the Echo.

I like your thinking there. I have a vision now of a large spreadsheet-like table, entitled 'Player Sales by Year', on the wall in Les' office with years across the top and lists of player names below each of the years representing those who will be sold. For example, 2018 could have the names McQueen, Gabbiadini and Romeu as being those we intend to sell for huge fees that summer. Forward planning...

Our forward line without Gabbi or Charlie is... A lot of good stuff first half, but fizzled out second half when Howe added an extra man into midfield. Disappointing.

Looking at the list of clubs supposedly interested in him, if he were to leave, it'd have to go disastrously wrong for him to end up at West Ham. I mean what sort of mug would end up like that?

Didn't expect to get anything & we didn't. More concerned, now, about the injury to Gabbiadini to be honest!

Indeed. Clearly, he never had the pleasure of watching Lee Todd in action...

Well, unbelievably, I will now be going to the game. My op was postponed as I lay on a bed outside the operating theatre waiting to go in, due to delays with the previous person's op affecting their entry to an intensive care bed, meaning the staff needed for my op were no longer available. Stunning waste of time & money from the NHS, irritating for me (in one way) & disappointing for the person I'd said could have the tickets, if I couldn't go. That said, the look on my son's face when I said we had tickets will stay with me forever. Just need to cheer the boys on tomorrow & bring home that trophy! COYR!

Martin Charquero says the announcement is imminent... But that was an hour ago!

Excellent. Things are clearly progressing if we've got a statement ready already...

Well, if the Uruguayan journo is correct about an official announcement today, how long does it take to take a few photos & then let us know how thrilled the lad is to join us (on his behalf)?

As I think I've said before, my wife is an immigration adviser & whilst sports person visas aren't her area of expertise, she said ordinarily you would have to apply from your home country or ordinary place of residence. However with some types of visa that may require a prompter service, it's likely you can apply from somewhere which allows for a quicker service. Paris would definitely be one of these & she says most likely Italy & certainly Uruguay are not.

From Uruguayan journalist Martin Charquero on Twitter: "ATTENTION. Martin Caceres is in Paris processing his work visa. Tomorrow will be officially presented by Southampton."

Didn't see that coming but well done Saints. Perfect riposte to last week's abject performance. Puel said he'd enjoyed having a full week to work with the team. Hopefully a full 2 weeks will see us come out with another great performance at Wembley.

Just seen a post on Twitter suggesting he's flown back to Montevideo due to the death of his brother. Poor chap.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/15082097.TRANSFER_UPDATE__Caceres_can_bring__quality_and_spirit_/?ref=mac According to the Echo, he can't even be in the country until the work permit is sorted. Update: my wife, who's a visa & immigration adviser, has just said he'll need to apply for his Tier 2 sports persons visa from outside the UK, so this is probably true.

According to Adam Blackmore, the pic of Caceres "training" was actually a photo from his fitness tests (I guess part of his medical) not him training with us.

According to Adam Blackmore at Puel's press conference today, Boufal could be fit for the final.

If he signs, he'll be the second Caceres to be on Saints books, I think? Anyone remember Adrian Caceres coming through the ranks?

I agree, it's not the ideal way to sign someone in what is a key position for us right now. I guess, for me though, I see someone who comes with real pedigree & who will have passed two thorough medicals, one with Milan & now one with us, to give some reassurance his injury problems are behind him. As a centre back, I'd imagine it could take less time to reach the requisite match fitness than say a central midfielder, so I'm hopeful it won't be too long. Time will tell, I guess...

We've had some 11pm announcements before...

Excellent. Sounds like we might get lucky and have signed a gem, if we can get him match fit quickly.

How did Hassen get on tonight? Anyone know? Got a clean sheet with Cuco playing centre half so that has to be a plus!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4196050/Southampton-close-free-agent-Martin-Caceres.html The Daily Mail have joined in too, now.