S-Clarke

It would have been very dangerous though, what with the work permit (and I'm absolutely certain that I read that he had an Italian passport)

Surprised it's us that's blinked though (if true). I honestly thought it would be Bolonga who'd have been forced to accept what we offered. But this is pretty solid - both of these guys, tancredi and dimazrio have been very sharp on this all the way through.

Hallelujah

Simon Peach seems to think he's available for whatever reason.

Didn't the mirror post an article last week about how they source their transfer rumours? It's all from contacts close to the player, agent, club - some planted for whatever reason, but they don't pick it up from football rumours. We've scouted holland heavily over the last 2 years, so can be sure there is probably something in this.

Has an Italian passport afaik.

Football Agent South ‏@South_Agent Don't be surprised if Southampton spend £20m+ this week - Cortese doesn't like being embarrassed, proud man - #saintsfc

Adkins on the build-up to the transfer window ending: "I would imagine in the final week we will still be very active."

Simon Peach ‏@SimonPeach Asked for the latest on #SaintsFC's bid for Ramirez, Adkins said: "We will have to see what happens in the week." The saga continues.

That video shows him as an attacking, rampaging left back. Looks like a complete upgrade on Fox. Looks like we're still in the market for that type of player then.

Nice. 2 CB links in one evening. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/southampton-transfer-news-saints-prepare-1281645?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Same could be said for Puncheon our side as well. The slight difference here is that Bolonga need the €€€€

Gaston Ramirez’s move to Southampton may not be over, as he was dropped from Bologna’s trip to Chievo. “His head isn’t in the game,” said Coach Stefano Pioli. The Uruguayan caused controversy over the last week by agreeing terms with Southampton without the Rossoblu’s knowledge. He was warned the transfer would not be agreed for less than €15m, prompting President Albano Guaraldi to reveal “Ramirez threatened us and said he wouldn’t play for Bologna any more.” “His head isn’t in the game,” explained Coach Pioli. “Ramirez does not have the necessary state of mind to play right now.

We don't know anything either way. What we do know is that he wants to join us, he doesn't want to play for Bolonga anymore, he wasn't included in their team tonight and Bolonga promised they would sell him this window. I would imagine Bolonga's manager will be asked about it post-match today, will be interesting to see if anything filters out.

He was in the directors box on Saturday.

Was mentioned as a rumour on facebook today, nothing in it though.

That should never happen. He lacks a physical presence in the middle of the park at times. If we play him as a CB in this league he will be gobbled up and spat back out again by any CF. He's a central midfielder who needs time and space on the ball to make things happen. He should never, ever be considered for CB. If a day ever comes when he is, something has gone horribly wrong.

Actually, maybe we're looking at proper cover/competition for both sides? Who is the other left sided cover......Seaborne, not really up to standard if required. And fonte has no cover what so ever. I'm pretty sure we'll be trying for 2 CB's, we could do with them as well as I don't really want to get to a point where we need to call upon Seaborne

Fair point. I've been listening to a few of the managers post-match interviews today, and every one says that they'll be in the market as they still need additions. Odd that it's been as quiet as it has been.

Wouldn't say no to this one if it's 1 of 2 though.

Clearly not required at Barca so can't see any issues agreeing a fee here! told by the manager it's best if he finds a new club.

Still think this guy will be the 1st of 2 cb's (if it happens). I think our priority CB has to be one with pace, surely?

Full name: Andreu Fontàs Prat Squad No: 26 Position: Center back Date of birth: 14 November 1989 Place of birth: Banyoles, Spain Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) Weight: 89 kg (196 lbs) Andreu Fontàs was born in Banyoles, a town in the northeast part of Catalonia. It was there Fontàs made his first steps in football. He joined his first football academy at his hometown club at the the age of six. He stayed with CD Banyoles for eleven years, but in 2006 Fontàs joined Girona FC, a bigger local club. In 2007, Andreu was approached by FC Barcelona's officials and they offered him to join La Masia. He joined Barca's youth ranks at the age of 17 as a defensive midfielder. In Barcelona he started to play in the heart of the defense, as a center back. After Fontàs' first year in the academy he was promoted to Barcelona B. Fontàs immediately became a important player for Barcelona's second team. He was used as a holding midfielder and as a defender. Andreu played 72 games for the B team in three season and he also scored two goals. On 17 March 2011, as a result of Eric Abidal's absence, Fontàs was promoted to the first team. But the wasn't his first rodeo with the big boys. Fontàs made his official debut on 31 August 2009 in a La Liga game against Sporting Gijón. Since his debut he made a few occasional appearances, most of them as a starter in less important matches. Altogether Andreu has nine first team appearances and he also scored his first, and so far only, goal, in the Champions League no less. In international football Fontàs played with every Under-age team Spain has to offer. However, he is still waiting for his senior team call-up. Profile Andreu Fontàs is a commanding center back, but he isn't only limited to that position. He can move up to play defensive midfielder and this year he proved that, if necessary, he can fill in at left back. His tackling is excellent, but he struggles when he faces speedy opponents as he doesn't possess the necessary pace.

I had the sound on mute thankfully.