Rumour Mill - one-in, one-out?
By Chris C
Updated Tuesday, 12th July 2005
Harry's statement that his two free transfers have used up the ‘budget' for 2005, could have meant slim pickings for the Rumour Mill this week.
However, that has never stopped the Rumour Mill in the past and, in actual fact, the rumoured exits could make this an interesting, if depressing, month for the Saints.
First, let’s look on the bright side with possible ‘ins’:
Rui Marques
We all know that central defence was our Achilles’ heel last year. Despite having signed Darren Powell, and with Michael Svensson on the road to recovery, this doesn’t stop us being linked with every central defender on a free transfer and Portuguese centre half, Marques, is no exception. Harry will need to get rid of some of the dead wood before signing another centre half.
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
Lee Clark
Saints have an odd all-or-nothing transfer policy with our accumulation of right backs and central midfielders, so it should come as no surprise that we have been linked with ageing
Fulham central midfielder, Lee Clark. Providing he can double at right back that makes him an ideal, if pointless signing. Given that his move to Leeds fell through because of his wage demands, he won’t be gracing St. Mary’s anytime soon.
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
Sir Clive Woodward
First Harry announces he’s coming to Saints, then Sir Clive says he’s not so sure and is planning a few week’s fishing after the exertions of the Lions tour. Clearly someone needs to explain to him the differences between the football and rugby season calendars. It’s still more than likely to happen after months of hints and announcements from all concerned.
4/5 Official site
Alan Stubbs33 year old
Everton stopper Stubbs is available on a free and has all the hallmarks of a Harry signing. However, he has been linked with moves to Premiership clubs
Aston Villa and Bolton and the desire for Premiership wages should prevent a move to the south coast.
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
Slim pickings indeed, until you look at the rumoured ‘outs’.
Peter CrouchMuch as I hate to admit it, it looks increasingly likely that the man who ‘used to be a Skate, but he’s all right now’ may well become a Scouser now. With Saints resisting bids from
Liverpool and West Ham, and interest from Man City, our ability to hang onto Crouch, or at worst how we replace him, will be telling in our ambitions to bounce straight back to the Premiership. If he does go, it is vital Harry is provided with a significant percentage of the transfer fee to try and improve the squad.
4/5 Official site
Antti Niemi
Saints have confirmed that they rejected a bid for Niemi from
Celtic and are holding out for their valuation of £2-2.5m. The player has announced his interest in a move and if the two clubs can agree on a fee he looks set to join Strachan at Celtic after two years of excellent service on the south coast. However, if Saints stand by their valuation, Saints will have the best keeping options in the Championship. This looks increasingly likely now that Celtic have Polish keeper Artur Boruc on trial.
3/5 Broadsheet
Scavengers for Scandinavians
With the exception of Michael Svensson, Saints’ love affair with all things Scandinavian appears to be on the wane. Pre-season this year takes in Scotland rather than Sweden and with Anders Svensson now departed, fellow Swede Nilsson and Norwegian Lundekvam have been linked with exits to Brondby or Copenhagen and Celtic or Le Mans respectively. With both players having had disappointing seasons, Saints will offload them if they can receive suitable offers, particularly if Harry can operate a one-in one-out policy and strengthen other areas of the team, notably the left side.
3/5 Broadsheet
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
