S-Clarke

Ok, so basically sounds like Gaston and the agent have jumped the gun slightly - everything is agreed with the player, and as I thought earlier, Bologna are rightly miffed that he's talking as if he's our player when they are yet to be presented with a final offer that they like. I suspect discussions are on-going with our officials and his club officials. It looks like we've put a lot of time and effort into this deal and Gaston has made it clear he wants to go, so if we give Bologna what they want, which I believe we will in the end, then it will all happen quite quickly. Some of the stories earlier made it sound like it was all done, but with all modern day transfers it's never over until the ink is dry and the OS is updated with his name. It's exciting talking about the possibility and it's exciting that we are genuinely tracking a player of his level. Let's not panic though.

Who knows.

Why?

I think left back is a position we can leave for now, and revisit in January if we have problems. That's how I see it anyway. It's not an ''urgent'' area. Especially as young Clyne can also play at Left back if required.

Doesn't surprise me. If he's a bench player in the Southern League, then he's not a league player full stop. Surprised he's lasted so long.

Unfortunately for us, they have international players to replace the injured players. And also international players to replace their international squad players.

Well at long last that's that. Been bumping along for too long now. Happy with Fox and Shaw - 2 good players in my opinion. Lot of confidence in Shaw and Ward-Prowse, I think they're the next stars to come through. Fox is also a very good player IMO. Underrated by many.

Amazed it looks like we want both. Goodbye SDR I guess.

I think Gaston has jumped the gun slightly with his comments, but I do believe we've been given permission to speak to him and finalise it whilst we conclude the deal Bolonga's side. They're right to be a bit miffed if he's talking like he's ours when they haven't got the fee they want. (let's remember that if it's a 11.8m fee, they won't get all of that as a percent goes to his first club - so Bologna want 11.8 themselves i'm sure) We wouldn't get this far to baulk at a couple of million though. Can't see that.

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.