Burley has been scouring the European leagues searching for the kind of bargains he found in Saganowski, Rasiak and Bialkowski. Signed are Hammill from Liverpool and Saganowski and on trial are the giant Vaskó and the well travelled Vignal, but who's likely to be next?
Sam Sodje
Central defender Sodje turned down a potential move to Saints from Brentford for a chance at Reading in the Premiership. He made just the 7 appearances and ended up on loan at West Brom. With Saints still creaking in central defence, Sodje would represent a decent gamble at less than £1m, but Vaskó may well get the nod if his trial proves successful.
2/5 Tabloid
Youssef Safri
Moroccan international Safri is a central midfielder at Norwich. He is remembered for last season's 35 yard screamer, but is more of a holding player. With Guthrie not returning on loan he would provide competition for the undroppable Wright and a decent option in midfield.
2/5 Tabloid
Lee Hendrie
The versatile Lee Hendrie was released by Aston Villa after a successful loan spell at Stoke failed to get him back in Martin O'Neill's plans. Showed his quality looking a class apart for Stoke and would represent a superb signing on a free if only Saints could afford his wages. Likely to interest those in the bottom half of the Premiership, so would be a tough move to pull off.
2/5 Tabloid
Nicky Butt
Former England man Nicky Butt is approaching the end of his career at age 32 and a move to the Championship might come at a good time. Despite a decent season for Newcastle, he faces real competition from new signings Barton and trialist Aldo 'I broke Beckham's metatarsal' Duscher. He has the kind of experience and quality to bring out the best in youngsters Surman and Hammill around him. Wages of course would be a problem. One to discuss again post-takeover...
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
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