Pardew: 'We are attracted by any player that is up for sale'
Saints manager Alan Pardew certainly has a history with us and grabbing our best players for a song at the worst possible time. He was Charlton manager during the Bailey saga.
Pardew spoke to the local press: "We have made it quite obvious we are trying to move forward quickly and we are attracted by any player that is up for sale if they are within our in our realm. Lee Barnard is one of a number of names that has crossed our path and we are pursuing a number of areas."
The Echo comes up with one of those 'sources close to the Shrimpers' who 'says': "Southampton are the first to place a bid for Lee. Leeds have also been in touch and expressed an interest but they have not come forward with a bid yet."
150k does seem to be Uncle Ron's starting point, he accepted that amount from Peterborough for Simon Francis before the player turned them down for personal reasons, but a 17-goal man should command more, even if he can leave in the summer for free.
That sort of dosh can go very quickly if we're in League Two! Still, lucky Scott Spencer looked good after his little cameo last Saturday.
Leeds interest should cool bow Beckford has removed his transfer request while early suitors Millwall are taking a look at ex-Blue Theo Robinson and Carlisle striker, now on loan at Coventry, Joe Garner.
The latter you can read about here:
www.examiner.co.uk/huddersfield-town-fc/huddersfield-town-transfer-rumours/2010/01/19/transfer-rumours-latest-huddersfield-town-s-theo-robinson-hunted-by-millwall-86081-25633556/