New striker to sign before weekend tournament

Saints boss Nigel Atkins has hinted a new striker could line up for his side at this weekend's Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup.

Jack Cork was Southampton's first capture of the summer, signing earlier this month from Chelsea. Speculation has been mounting about Saints bringing in a striker, but nothing has been made public.

Speaking of the weekend's tournament, Atkins told Sky Sports: "The lads are going to be performing and, you never know, there might be one or two new players in addition to our fantastic football club by then.

"There's a lot of speculation about and we've been working very hard behind the scenes."

Many different players have been linked with a move to St Mary's, including Southampton schoolboy Lukas Jutkiewicz from Coventry and highly-rated Bristol City scorer Nicky Maynard.

The pressure is now on for Atkins to sign someone. With youngster Alex Chamberlain asking for a Premier League move, the Southampton management have done well not to draw attention to the 17-year-old's wish to play in the top tier this season.

With many of the top teams having already splashed a fair amount of money over the summer, the only big club in need of bolstering their midfield appears to be Arsenal. The pressure is on Arsene Wenger to spend as the Gunners brace themselves for losing some of their top stars.

Even without Chamberlain, Southampton could potentially have a good season in the Championship. However, another striker is key to any success. Rickie Lambert would benefit from a regular striking partner, and we may see him arrive this week.

Southampton host Werder Bremen and Athletic Bilbao at St Mary's this Saturday.

Saints sign Chelsea youngster Cork

Southampton have made their first signing of the summer by snapping up young Chelsea midfielder Jack Cork.

The 22-year-old featured for Burnley on loan last season, and spent time on loan at St Mary's in 2008. A youngster with vast experience of the Championship, he gives Saints boss Nigel Atkins a solid central midfield with Adam Lallana, Morgan Schneiderlin and Guly do Prado set to also feature next season.

Competition for places will be hot at Southampton, and it can only be a positive note for the club. Saints are known for a slick passing style of play, and more strength in depth could be key to any success next season.

Atkins' search for new players will not end with Cork. Still on the shopping list is another striker and an experienced defender. The unlikely capture of John Arne Riise looks even more unlikely following Martin Jol confirming the ex-Liverpool player is to undergo a medical at Fulham.

Hot on the radar appears to be Coventry striker, and former Southampton schoolboy Lukas Jutkiewicz. According to Skysports the youngster could be on his way to St Mary's. However, Saints fans may have to wait for news of new additions to the squad. Atkins' side jet off to Switzerland for a pre-season tour next week.

With a couple more additions, Southampton could do very well in the Championship next season. With questions still remaining over the future of Alex Chamberlain, stability will be vital in a very tough division.

While no-one can expect Southampton to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League, things are once again looking bright for Southampton after years of turmoil.

See what Southampton's new signing Jack Cork can do with highlights of his Premier League debut.

Saints step up quest for striker

Saints boss Nigel Adkins is stepping up his quest for a striker as the club braces itself for the loss of young winger Alex Chamberlain.

Southampton have declared their interest in Bristol City forward Nicky Maynard. However, it won't be easy to lure the 24-year-old away from Ashton Gate. Leicester City, who beat Saints in the race to sign Neil Danns had a bid for Maynard rejected.

Also on Nigel Adkins' shopping list is Billy Sharp. The Doncaster scorer, who played under Adkins at Scunthorpe scored 16 goals last season despite missing large chunks through injury. Although the Yorkshire side are struggling financially, it may take a bid of up to £3 million to tempt Sharp to leave for the south coast. Coventry striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has also been linked with a move to his home-town club, but again will require a substantial fee.

Saints could do with some fire-power. Last season Rickie Lambert couldn't build on a remarkable 2009-10 season in which he bagged 37 goals in all competitions. Last year he managed 21 goals, but he will find it a lot tougher in the Championship.

David Connolly has extended his contract at St Mary's until the end of next season, but with Lee Barnard possibly facing a court case for assault, Lambert could do with a partner.

With winger Alex Chamberlain set to leave Southampton for Arsenal in the next few days, Nigel Adkins may have some money to spend with a big fee likely to be paid to Saints.