This is not a transfer rumour that is going to cause mass celebration in SO postcodes, but it seems, according to reliable sources, that this is a deal that is on the verge of being completed.

According to sportwitness Saints are within days of tying up a deal to sign out of contract Brentford midfielder Saman Ghoddos.

Many Southampton dans will be saying Who !!! at this news.

The Iranian midfielder who will turn 31 in September, has been at Brentford since the 20/21 season, initially joining on loan in August before it being made permanent in January 2021, he played a major part in Brentford's march into the Premier League that season.

In the Premier League he found it harder to get game time and in the 3 seasons that the Bees have been in the top flight he has mainly been a squad player.

In the season just gone he was in the matchday squad on 32 out of the 34 Premier League games, starting 7 games, coming on in another 12 and remaining an unused sub on the other 13 occasions.

On the face of it it is hard to see why Saints are seemingly going to make this signing, yes it is a free transfer so it wilb be cheap and I would imagine wages would not be a problem, indeed Ghoddos although primarily an attacking midfielder, he has also been utilised on both flanks as a full back and winger.

His versatility would seem to be the reason we are taking a cheap punt, but I don't think that will go down well with some Saints supporters who will be demanding major siginings.

But it should be noted that Russell martin is building a squad, rather than a team, signing Ghoddos and indeed Adam Lallana is prudent, giving them one year contracts is not breaking the bank and an extra experienced body could prove crucial in what will be a tough season.

There won't be much real business done till July 1st, but when that date is passed Southampton really do need to make some good experienced signings at the peak of their powers.

Photo: Action Images

SanMarco added 11:51 - Jun 16 I have, indeed never heard of this guy. My response would be to point out that surely even 'squad players' have to be good enough...
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underweststand added 12:09 - Jun 16 The previous contact that Sport Republic had with Brentford may have played a part in this decision - but as a free transfer - who would argue that - except those who think anyone over 30.. AND on a free transfer is rubbish ? Apparently the guy was born in Sweden and even played for their national team when younger, but was invited to switch his allegiance to Iran and has since played over 50 games for them at international level. (see Wikipedia). At least we will be saving a big transfer fee and getting some more experience in the squad.

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Bowlercow added 14:01 - Jun 16 Looks like we could go from being one of the youngest PL squad to one of the oldest
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DellBoyWally added 14:13 - Jun 16 "good experienced signings at the peak of their powers" Two questions: why would they come to a newly promoted club; and how could we afford them under FFP regulations? We've already paid £20m for THB. There's talk of £11m to £15m for Rodon. We either sell to off-set that expenditure or go for the free/loan market. We have AL who is unlikely to be a regular starter. Saman Ghoddos is a similar type of player who would be the regular starter. One position filled for free and not crazy wages and.with PL experience. Seems sensible to me. Save money for where we most need it: PL-quality/experience striker and GK. We need a LB (Perraud would be perfect and he belongs to us already)

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onetowatch added 15:03 - Jun 16 RE the above last comment, I, like many Saints fans would be pleased to see Perraud back, but, considering the reasons stated why he left , with RM I think it's unlikely. We really are in need of an experienced, quality left back, can't help but be concerned about that position. It would be great to see some ambition and see us go for Kieran Tierney of Arsenal who is apparently available - at still only 27 and with his experience and quality, I don't think the 15mln being touted is excessive in this league.

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kenis added 20:25 - Jun 16 Tierney, like almost all players from the big 5 (don’t count spurs for this) will be on huge money even if he’s one of the lower earners, as in becoming our top earner money, and that’s likely why he’s available for relatively low transfer fee. Only a handful of clubs who can or will pay those wages. He’s rumoured to be on £110k per week. Don’t see us paying the fee plus long term contract commitment near that. If we were would rather was for a goal scorer and as others have said make Perraud and Martin give pre season a good go and give manning & larios a really critical look. We need to get players from championship, abroad, big six youth gems (as we did before) or the “other 14” especially first season back.

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