S-Clarke

I'm sure we'll sort it.

Just to calm people down. Fourth official is retweeting ''fake agents'' on twitter, who reported he was close to signing for Liverpool and Spurs earlier this week, as he's trying to show them up.

This is apparently the CB that Nixon is referring to. Linked with big clubs this summer.

“I know that it is not official yet, even if it is the right offer for Bologna,” the 21-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. “There are just a few details missing with Bologna for my transfer to the Saints. “They tracked me with more intensity than the other clubs and that struck me. An agreement was reached with my agent and I’m ready to fly out for my medical.” A host of European giants were being linked with the former Penarol man and his choice of new club will be ranked as a shock. “Every player wants to aim for the top, but they have promised me a primary role in their plans and that is important,” added the South American. “I’m young and I need to play – that is the only way to keep growing.” Italian clubs such as Inter and Juventus have been paired with him in the past. “I would have wanted to stay in Italy, but this is football,” he explained. “Today’s situation shows that there is no money in Italy and a change of air for me was inevitable. “Inter? There was nothing official. Southampton were the club who decided to sign me and I’m happy that I’ll be going there.” Sounds as close to being done as it can be, without the pen on the paper.

Can we close this thread now?

Maybe Cortese has secured fresh investment, hence the long time away from Saints. Who knows.

He glides along the ground doesn't he? Kind of how Bale and to an extent Kaka look on the pitch, just effortless beating of players without having stunning pace.

There was always going to be one.

Liverpool have bought their winger though, that's the difference now. They juset spent up to £6/10m on a young kid from holand I believe. They're also close to sorting out Tello.

12m here, 6m there, 3m there. Loaded.

This is the sort of signing that could have a domino effect on other targets ''not sure'' about us. It will change the complete perception of how we are seen by everyone, a huge moment in our recent history. But if this happens, NA Is under pressure. I cannot imagine Cortese has sanctioned this deal to watch us struggle all season.....

The quotes from gaston are enough for me to now get excited fully. It sounds done. Unreal. I still had my doubts from what I was told yesterday but it seems like my mate was bang on

Gabriele Marcotti ‏@Marcotti @ConnorArmstrong Haven't heard anything beyond what they're reporting. (Just back from holiday) But Di Marzio pretty sharp on this

I now believe we will win. Lawro's prediction: Manchester City won 18 and drew one of their 19 home Premier League games last season and I expect them to get off to a winning start here too. But I don't expect them to manage a repeat of that amazing home record because it will be a lot more difficult for them, whoever they play. I know from my time at Liverpool that everyone wants to beat you when you are champions. They are still going to score a lot of goals and win a lot of games - their only worry this year is whether Manchester United will be better than them, but that is a big worry. Southampton, in contrast, will be in a survival battle from the off and their biggest problem will be where their goals are going to come from. It will come down to the half-chances. They are a bottom eight club and, for the clubs down there, someone who can convert those half-chances is worth their weight in gold. Everyone keeps telling me Saints striker Rickie Lambert will score in the Premier League but they need him to weigh in the sort of goal tally Grant Holt managed for Norwich last season. Saints boss Nigel Adkins is a shrewd guy and they will play some good attacking football but they need someone who can get 15 goals and, at the moment, I don't think they have one. Prediction: 2-0

TBH you'd be all over this story like a rash if it was something to do with the sale of the club, or imminent meltdown. Just saying.

Simon Peach ‏@SimonPeach I did say earlier not to rule out Gastón Ramírez to #SaintsFC. Will pester Adkins for a definitive answer tomorrow.

Conor Swain ‏@ConorSwain Boy we'd look so stupid if we signed Gaston Ramirez #SaintsFC Absolutely, we'd look like right idiots. I'd be so embarrassed.

The guy who has reported the latest has followed the activity surrounding him all summer, very reliable source apparently (well, I guess he has to be as he works for Sky sport in Italy) It still might not happen, but I'm excited about our ambition.

I can fix that for you and add it to his Wiki profile.

For 18 million squid.

Danny Morris ‏@Danny__LFC Gaston Ramirez- could have had Spurs/Liverpool. Picks Southampton. Won't matter, he'll fail the medical due to him obviously being on drugs. lol

I cannot imagine we'd have gone all this way without knowing what he wants. We've been talking to Bologna as well as Gastons reps.

As much as I'm still skeptical that we'll be able to do it, I cannot help but be slightly excited to even be talking about outbidding Inter, Liverpool and Spurs.

JayR ‏@Jay_78_ Southampton paying £20m for Gaston Ramirez? Surely not? If so the worlds gone mad - official. Where the **** are they getting £20m from? lol. Here come the LFC fans. Matthew Pettitt ‏@Matsmad How do #LFC and #thfc get our bid for gaston ramirez by Southampton?? Crazy football world!