Coca-Cola Divisions: Southampton

I don't rate Crouch at all but going to a new club might see a improvement. The verdict is out on him, he may prove to be a crap signing.

He was great in his first seasom with Pompey then shyte at Villa.

Southampton will hold talks on Monday with Marseille's Egyptian striker Mido according to the player's agent.

Christophe Henrotay claims the south-coast Premiership outfit are leading the chase for his client, real name Ahmed Hossam, who scored seven goals in 17 games in the French Ligue 1 last season.

Mido was strongly linked with a move to Newcastle, but the Tyneside club have failed to come to an agreement with Marseille over the move, and Henrotay believes "it's going to be difficult" to resurrect the proposed switch to St James' Park.

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has dismissed claims linking James Beattie with a move to Charlton.

The Saints' top-scorer last season was reported to be a Newcastle target until they signed Patrick Kluivert last week.

The England striker has now been linked with a move to The Valley but Lowe believes Beattie will stay at St Mary's.

Danish side Aalborg are looking to nip in ahead of Norwegian outfit Lyn to the signature of Southampton's Jo Tessem.

Norwegian forward Tessem has been told he can leave St Mary's and he is currently in the process of tying up the loose ends before finalising his exit from The Saints.

Tessem spent a portion of last season on loan at Lyn and they have struck a deal to sign the forward if he opts to return to his homeland.

Ipswich manager Joe Royle has dismissed speculation linking him with a move for Southampton full-back Chris Baird.

Swedish star Mikael Nilsson has finalised his move to Southampton and he will join up with his new team-mates later this week. Nilsson played his last game for Halmstad on Tuesday as they beat Hammarby to move top of the Swedish league.

Saints supremo Rupert Lowe was in attendance and he took the opportunity to tie up the deal, which was agreed earlier this summer.

Southampton midfielder Matt Oakley looks certain to miss the start of the season with a knee injury.

The injury is not connected to the knee ligament problem that sidelined Oakley for most of last season.

Marian Pahars is set to miss the start of the season after picking up an injury in the 2-1 win over Swindon.

The Southampton striker has been plagued by injuries for two years.

Southampton defender Stephen Crainey is having talks with Leeds over a possible 200,000 move to crisis-hit club.

The former Celtic man flew to Leeds this morning for a medical and discussions.

Southampton will give defender Ronny Johnsen the chance to revive his Premiership career.

The 35-year-old former Manchester United defender will play for Saints in a friendly against Serie A club Chievo on Saturday.

Johnsen was released by Aston Villa at the end of last season and Saints boss Paul Sturrock said: "He still feels he can play in the Premiership.