Piper changes his tune

Southampton are convinced they have lost out to Sunderland in the race to sign Leicester youngster Matthew Piper - but are taking a look at Rangers winger Andrei Kanchelskis.

Saints offered £3m (€4.7m) for the 20-year-old and held talks at the St Mary’s Stadium on Friday after initially turning down Sunderland, but it appears he has now reconsidered and wants to join the Black Cats.

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe told the club’s official website www.saintsfc.co.uk: “We met the player on Friday and were hopeful he would join us but it appears he has now decided to go to Sunderland after turning them down at the start of last week.

“He is a nice lad but very quiet and we wish him well. We will leave the door open because you never know in football but it looks as though that is the end of the matter.”

Former Manchester United and Everton star Kanchelskis has struggle since his move to Rangers and Southampton boss Gordon Strachan is offering him the chance to train with Saints, and if the 33-year-old impresses he may be offered a deal to stay on.