Redknapp chases Lions ace

Southampton manager Harry Redknapp is hoping to tie up the signing of Millwall midfielder David Livermore before Saturday’s home clash with Norwich.

Redknapp is desperate for reinforcements as he attempts to guide the Saints back to the Premier League and his priorities are a striker and a left-sided midfielder.

Unsettled Birmingham forward Clinton Morrison is top of Redknapp’s hit list but the reported £2m (€2.9m) asking price remains a stumbling block.

However Livermore, a central midfielder who is comfortable on the left, has held talks with the Saints and Redknapp hopes to have him on board within the next 48 hours.

The former West Ham and Portsmouth manager remained guarded today, telling the club’s official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk: “I am looking around but it is not easy to get people. But we do have a few possibilities in mind and we certainly need to bring in a couple if we can.”

But with Millwall resigned to losing Livermore and Sunderland’s interest having apparently cooled, the 25-year-old’s personal terms and medical are the only issues to be resolved.

One player not joining the exodus from St Mary’s is Claus Lundekvam after the club dismissed rumours linking the Norwegian defender with a move to Newcastle.

Redknapp also denied an interest in former Coventry forward Jay Bothroyd following his release by Italian side Perugia.