Wednesday Rumour Mill

Last updated : 03 July 2002 By Christian Kelly

A surprise re-entry to the mill this week is Clinton Morrison who we have been linked to every season for the past three or four. Repeat after me .. Beattie, Pahars, Delgado, Ormerod, McDonald, Davies. We do not need another striker, and I don't expect to see one arrive over the summer.

Gordon Strachan said that his next priority was a right sided midfielder. Now if you believe the canny one, then Neil Ardley could be your man. Well, as it's an old link it's certainly better than having to come up with something original isn't it ?
With Milton Keynes nee Wimbledon in the doldrums they're looking to offload and we've been linked with their entire squad over the past few months. Take this one with a big pinch of salt.

Matthew Etherington has been tipped to solve any further Saints problems down the left hand side. Etherington impressed everyone during his time at Peterborough. He moved to Spurs along with fellow POSH player Simon Davies. Yet it has been Davies who has gone on to take the Premiership by storm. It has been rumoured that Etherington has not got on too well with Glenn Hoddle and this has culminated in the youngster putting in a transfer request. Spurs have put a £3.5 million once tag on the player who is behind Christian Ziege in the side. Saints transfer negotiator, Rupert Lowe said: "There is no truth in any of those rumours. We are looking to strengthen further and we know who we would like but there is nothing imminent

Wolves left back Lee Naylor has been linked with a move South in exchange for Saints midfielder/ striker Kevin Davies. Of course this is only appearing to substantiate another rubbish piece of journalism regarding the departure of Wayne Bridge. Hacks, they're so predictable sometimes.

On their way out:-
Well, we've seen the departure of Dan Petrescu already this week with Saints international affarirs corrspondant Rupert Lowe saying, "We thank Dan very much for what he has done for us. He has been a model pro but was concerned he wasn't playing enough football. We are delighted to have a good contact in Romania and hope he will come back to watch games next season."

In other news, Garry Monk was believed to be the object of Brighton's interest but the Seagulls were scared off by the supposed £250 000 asking price.

Wayne Bridge is rumoured to be an £8 million target of nearly everyone. Newcastle are reported to be his latest suitors. Saints receptionist Rupert Lowe said: "We have heard nothing from Newcastle. I don't know where the story has come from but we do not want to sell. We have had no bids for any of our players and we want to keep our best players. We are very optimistic for this season and do not plan on selling anyone."

Liverpool and Arsenal are also constantly reported as being interested. >Yawn<

Gordon Strachan has inevitably been linked with the vacant Manager's post at Leeds. When asked about it on his hols Strachan gave short shrift to the nosy hack. Good on him. Saints PR spokesman Rupert Lowe said: "I have heard nothing from Leeds but I am aware of what is going on there. 'Gordon has a year left on his contract and is happy here. I know he is looking forward to next season keenly.

''Like me he feels we could be in for a good season. We should be thinking in terms of qualifying for European competition.

''Gordon did an excellent job in stabilising the playing side after he arrived in October and he took us to eleventh position in the Premiership.''