Rumour Roundup: Clemence, Wilnes, Poom, Hedman, Holland, Harper and Singh.

Last updated : 20 May 2002 By Christian Kelly
Gordon Strachan said recently: "In the Premiership you are looking for players who can do something exceptional under pressure.

"There are plenty of people who can do the basics but creativity is a quality which few can provide.

"We can cope with teams who come to St Mary's and are prepared to try to play a bit of football but what we fail to do is break down those teams who come here for a point.

''This is when you need players who can break down those defences. A lot of teams come and sit back, waiting to catch us on the break.''

So you get the impression that he's looking for a creative midfielder which should please Anders Svensson. So it was strange to find that instead of a creative genius we were linked with Stephen Clemence instead.

Bad News: Saints have made a £3 million bid for Tottenham's Stephen Clemence.
Good News: Spurs turned the bid down
Bad News: Saints may increase the bid.
Good News: Spurs are in contract negotiations with the midfileder.
Even better news: This is just one of the numerous stories form the hacks who seem hell bent on getting worthless spurs players to join us. It'll be Sherwood again next week. Pay it no mind.

We have also been linked with Ipswich's Fabian Wilnes. Can't say I'm too keen on this one as I don't see what he'd offer the squad at 31. He would just be cover, even for Paul Williams who was brought in as cover himself.

More promising is the link with Matt Holland who would be an excellent addition to the squad.

Our latest goalkeeping link is Newcastle's number two, Steve Harper. Harper is looking for a exit from St. James Park after Shay Given signed a new deal.

Derby's Mart Poom will be available if a decent offer of £4 million comes in as John Gregory has admitted he needs to lose one of his squad.

Marcus Hedman remains the other strong link for the number one jersey. His Coventry link with Strachan will be more than enough to see the rumour continue.

Leeds promising youngster Harpal Singh could be making a move South and would definitely fall into Strachan's preferred category of squad addition with something to prove.

Neil Ardley continues to be a link as Saints look to strengthen at the back. He would be available for for £4 million.

Another long time target, Michael Duberry looks set to leave Leeds although I'm not sure too many clubs will be that interested after recent events.