Rumour Mill – end of the ‘emergency loan' window

Last updated : 22 November 2005 By Chris C

The rest of the Championship is bringing on loans like it is going out of fashion. Leeds, Derby, Norwich, everyone’s doing it except for the man who practically invented loans, Harry Redknapp. After the tough week that Saints have had, nothing would cheer up Harry more than pulling off a transfer coup.

With injuries starting to affect the Saints squad, Harry has admitted he is short of numbers: “I have been making lots of calls but getting nowhere and if I can't get a decent player then I won't get anyone in. I feel we could do with a couple of loans right now because we are a bit short in midfield.”

Aside from the obvious requirement to find a proven goal-scorer, Harry is also looking for cover at left-back with Danny Higginbotham the only recognised left-back on the club’s books and even he’s a central defender.

Robbie Fowler
Despite a flat denial from the club, rumours of Robbie Fowler being seen at St. Mary’s, in Southampton hotels and even on the moon are still doing the rounds. He would be the kind of ‘Paul Merson’ quality signing to send out a signal to the rest of the league and there is no doubt that if Saints could get him fit, he would score a hatful of goals. However, with his huge wages and with Man City lacking numbers up front, surely even Harry couldn’t pull this one off?
1/5 Some bloke down the pub

Wayne Bridge
Saints have hinted that local boy Wayne Bridge is keen for a return to the south coast to help regain his fitness and help get his boyhood club back into the Premiership. Saints have tried to get him on loan previously this season, but were rebuffed by Mourinho who let’s face it hardly needs him off the wage bill. Would be the perfect Christmas present for Saints fans, but that Mourinho can be a stubborn one at times.
2/5 Tabloid

Lower league striker
Take your pick from a striker from the lower leagues – Southend’s Eastwood, Swansea’s Trundle and Bristol Rover’s Agogo. Harry has admitted that it would be a gamble, but at least Trundle is the top scorer in the country with some quality strikes for Swansea. Their clubs are going to be very unwilling to let them go on loan, so only a permanent transfer is on the cards. Of these, Trundle is the most concrete rumour with Harry said to be keen and Lowe less so.
3/5 Broadsheet

Tottenham midfielder
With Harry on board, that nasty Hoddle business is all forgotten, with Spurs loaning us Redknapp Junior and Callum Davenport as a farewell to the Premiership last season. Given that Spurs have more midfielders on their books than some clubs have players, they would be a logical choice to do Harry a favour. Potential signings are Michael Brown, Andy Reid and Sean Davies all of whom would be great additions to the Saints midfield.
2/5 Tabloid

Guide to On the Cross ratings:
0/5 Men in white coats time
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
2/5 Tabloid
3/5 Broadsheet
4/5 Official site
5/5 Holding up a shirt