Saints are chasing West Ham United's reserve keeper Darren Randolph as a back up to Fraser Forster.

Saints are reportably looking to bring Darren Randolph currently back up to Adrian at West Ham as cover for Fraser Forster.

Randolph played 6 Premier League games for the Hammers last season as well as another 9 in various cup competitions and was of course the Republic of Ireland's keeper in the recent Euros in France.

He does look just the sort of player that Saints need to bring in as it would of course mean that Paulo Gazzaniga could go out on loan to gain the experience and confidence that could make him the keeper that his ability has at times suggested that he can be.

But the big question is why Randolph would want to swap being on the bench at West Ham for the same job at St Mary's.

Indeed it would seem he has a better chance of a breakthrough as first choice at the Olympic Stadium than he would have at St Mary's with Fraser Forster recently signing a long term deal.

At 29 Randolph is no spring chicken and although he has a wealth of experience particularly with Motherwell and Birmingham City he is at a stage in his career where he needs first team football and indeed will probably fell that he is good enough to be first choice at a Premier league club.

Photo: Action Images

Ronnie added 15:15 - Jul 22 Gazzaniga has been with us a few years now and apart from some occasional nervous performances, looks a decent keeper, so I think he has earned the spot as back up keeper. It also will keep us within the philosophy of bringing younger players into the squad. Obviously RK didn't think he was up to it but perhaps Dave Watson does!
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SonicBoom added 20:08 - Jul 23 To be honest if Gazza is not able to step up and be the reserve keeper after his years at the club, when will he be?
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IWOZTHERE added 12:07 - Jul 24 Agree with Sonic. Don't know whether he was 'scarred' by his mistakes in his early first team games?, but I thought he was exceptional when he came in last season, making some saves few others would have made. TBH I think he needs an extended first team run to build his confidence so I'm surprised he's still here.
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