The will he/won't he Skacel saga has run and run all summer and looks to be finally reaching its climax. Czech left-sided midfielder Skacel was not on a flight with his Hearts teammates today and Hearts have admitted that Saints are in negotiations about signing the player who was so prolific under Burley. His form has dipped over the course of the season, but Saints fans will be hoping Burley can get him and then get the best out of him again.
That all too rare sight post-Le Tissier of a goal-scoring midfielder who notched up an impressive 17 strikes last season, he looks certain to be on his way out, it's just a question of whether a Premiership club gets in our way.
3/5 Broadsheet
Andy Webster
Skacel's Hearts teammate Andy Webster is a Scottish international in the third year of his four year contract and available for a compensation fee having handed in his notice as he is legally entitled to do. Again Saints are in negotiations with Hearts, so we can only hope he doesn't get poached by the Premiership vultures. A commanding central defender he would provide valuable competition for Claus and Higgy in a position we need to strengthen in.
3/5 Broadsheet
Sam Sodje
The Brentford centre half was a target for Burley in the January transfer window, but decided not to come. If Saints can secure Andy Webster then a reported £750k transfer fee does not represent good value for a League One player, even a promising one.
2/5 Tabloid
Indigo Idiakez
The Derby playmaker was a class apart when he came to St Mary's and his former manager Burley is on record as wanting to bring him to the club. Lowe was reportedly unwilling to pay for a 33 year old, but it may be a test of Burley's influence over the new board if he can secure him. The signing of Argentian playmaker Sarmiento on loan lessens the chances of this one happening.
2/5 Tabloid
Lee Trundle
No Rumour Mill would be complete without the obligatory mention of Swansea's Lee Trundle. The prolific League One striker has signed an extension to his contract and there are question marks over his fitness, so don't expect to see him holding up a Saints shirt anytime soon.
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
Mystery young Premiership striker
Rupert Lowe revealed last week that the club were in negotiations to sign an unnamed young Premiership striker. It remains to be seen whether the new board will be able to get him or if Burley will get additional funds to buy an established marksman to complement Fuller and Rasiak's goals. Names mentioned are Bradley Wright-Phillips, Spurs' Mark Yeates and Leroy Lita, although Lita is far more likely to want to have his shot at the Premiership.
4/5 Official site (once we've worked out who he is!)
Guide to On the Cross ratings:
0/5 Men in white coats time
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
2/5 Tabloid
3/5 Broadsheet
4/5 Official site
5/5 Holding up a shirt