It wouldn't be a transfer window without some rumours about picking up driftwood from the other end of the Solent and sure enough Premiership goal machine and current benchwarmer Andy Cole is a rumoured target. With his legendary poaching skills and pace, he would be an ideal candidate as the experienced striker we are lacking to partner Rasiak. What's that you say - wages? Oh.
2/5 Tabloid
Malcolm Christie
Rumour mill favourite Christie is finally nearing fitness after a horrific run of injuries. Small, nippy, an eye for goal and perpetually injured he would make a good stand in for Marian Pahars and company for Michael Svensson on the treatment table. Could be a gamble too far and with Boro in trouble they may be looking to hang onto him for now.
2/5 Tabloid
Jeremie Aliadiere
The loan Frenchman has returned to bench warming duties of late after failed loan spells at Celtic, Wolves and West Ham in recent years. At 23 he is unlikely to make the grade at Arsenal, particularly given the emergence of Theo 'nearly as good as Gareth' Walcott. Given his lack of goals so far, he may be better suited to the French league. Not the experienced striker we are looking for.
1/5 Some bloke down the pub
Carlton Cole
Perpectual nearly man Carlton Cole was once the big hope at Chelsea, but has failed to establish himself at Charlton, Aston Villa and now West Ham, where he has scored a solitary goal in 11 apperances. A former loan target in the Premiership, he has the talent and the strength to be a force in the Championship. A loan spell at Saints may be just the tonic he needs to get his career on track and with the return of Dean Ashton imminent, chances may be limited at West Ham.
2/5 Tabloid
Stephen Pressley
Would all clubs interested in the 33 year old former Scottish international please form an orderly queue. With Celtic already haven spoken to him, he is odds on to remain in Scotland, but given Burley's ability to attract former players, such as Skacel and Idiakez, a move remains possible. Not the quickest, but would be valuable experienced back-up for Claus and Baird.
3/5 Broadsheet
Paul Hartley
With the madness currently underway at Hearts, attacking midfielder and Burley favourite Hartley could be up for grabs, with Romanov recently threatening to sell the whole team. Goal-scoring midfielders are particularly welcome at Saints and he could be the man to challenge for the right midfield slot.
2/5 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