Hob Nob Anyone?

I really thought that this guy would move in this window. He is an England Under 21, low wages and i would have thought been a great 'fit' for us.

Southampton born lad & has said numerous times he ignores specualtion about himself as he wants to stay at Saints.

West Stand Flash wrote:Southampton born lad & has said numerous times he ignores specualtion about himself as he wants to stay at Saints.

Wikipedia wrote:Andrew Ronald Edward Surman (born August 20, 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa)

Pardew said numerous times that he was staying at Reading, soundbites like that mean nothing in football. I'd wager that as soon as a Premiership club comes in for Surman he'll go, and being a southern based club only an hour away from where he currently lives I'd say that puts us ahead of a fair few other clubs.

Hahnemann's Hairdresser wrote:

West Stand Flash wrote:Southampton born lad & has said numerous times he ignores specualtion about himself as he wants to stay at Saints.

Wikipedia wrote:Andrew Ronald Edward Surman (born August 20, 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa)

Pardew said numerous times that he was staying at Reading, soundbites like that mean nothing in football. I'd wager that as soon as a Premiership club comes in for Surman he'll go, and being a southern based club only an hour away from where he currently lives I'd say that puts us ahead of a fair few other clubs.

BR/Victor Meldrew has been banging on about him in the past.

He does look a very handy player who fits our type but I get the feeling he'll stay at Southampton til the summer.

One to watch.

From The PeopLOLe

Reading boss Steve Coppell is making a £2.5million move for Southampton's highly-rated midfielder Andrew Surman - and wants him to play as a left-back.

Coppell has been talking to the hard-up Saints and is close to reaching their valuation on the England under-21 prospect.

The Royals chief has money to spend and needs to replace Nicky Shorey after his sale to Aston Villa. But midfielder Surman - 22 next week - is a shock choice.

Coppell hopes to agree a fee before talking the homegrown Saint into moving to the Championship rivals with the carrot of a quicker route into the Premier League.

Surman was watched by bigger clubs a year ago but missed out on moves.

Now shrewd Coppell aims to capture him before other bidders can broker a deal.

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Wasn't sure whether to merge this with the new left back thread

A midfield replacement for our new left back Stephen Hunt.

Whose true place on the pitch is also midfield, albeit out wide! If Copps pulls this off it could be his best piece of business in the last 2 years.

Yes please!!!!

I have a feeling that despite the source, there could be some legs in this, and if he can play left-back and centre-mid, I would vouch that it means that we will take a bit less money for Harper (perhaps the £5m that is being quoted), and bring in Surman to potentially do both duties.

This could also mean that Coppell is standing by his word as "Hunt could be the long-term left back", which is true if Surman plays centre-mid and Convey stays left wing. Equally if Surman can play left-back, then Hunt/Convey can battle for left-wing with Karacan, Cisse, Majetovsky, Gunnarsson, and Bikey battling it out for centre-mid.

Suits me...

I would be very happy with this signing

£2.5m

C'mon FFS.

Streets wrote:£2.5m

C'mon FFS.

Hence why I think Harper might have to go first, judging by Madejski's comments yesterday. I wouldn't bet against it. Then when we sign him for £2.5m it'll be "check out our ambition" etc...

Yesterday on BBCRB, Coppell hinted that he may be looking to buy a new LM rather than LB.

I'd hate to see Harper go, I think he's the heartbeat of the team. It would be just about bearable of Matejovsky was fit, but as he's not I'd be worried for us.

I think if Harper goes many of his detractors might realise just how much he brought to the team unnoticed.

Ian Royal wrote:I'd hate to see Harper go, I think he's the heartbeat of the team. It would be just about bearable of Matejovsky was fit, but as he's not I'd be worried for us.

I think if Harper goes many of his detractors might realise just how much he brought to the team unnoticed.

agree completely!

Would be over the moon at this signing if it were to happen. Always looked good for Soton whether playing at LB or more forward.

Think it would make the left side very strong and would allow Hunt to play at LB where I feel he is looking very much at home, certainly yesterday. Would also give the option of them taking it in turns to bomb on with the other more than capable of filling in.

Id be very pleased if this is true

I hope this rumour is true as he would be a great asset to our current squad. Agree with the comments about Harper being the heartbeat of the team as this is true.

Would be a sign of intention - U21 International as well

Hes adaptable on the left side so can play in a number of positions - £2.5m - if we got shot of Harper for the reported £5m, then it still leaves £2.5m for Ben Watson - everyones a winner.

Im sure Egomaniac will be able to scrape up the £2m sell-on fee for Harper, given that we have brought in c£9m for Kitson and Shorey.

Team to take us up -

Hahnemann
Rosenior Bikey Sonko Surman
Kebe Marek Watson S Hunt
Doyle Lita

Hahnemann
Rosenier Sonko Bikey Surman
Kebe Matejovsky karacan S.Hunt
Doyle N.Hunt