Southampton have delved into the transfer market, but don't get too excited at least not just yet as it is a starlet rather than a fully blown star.

The latest man to become a Saint has been revealed by The Daily Echo it is 18 year old midfielder Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh from Cork City.

The youngster is highly rated and has report ably been a target for other clubs in England with Everton having been said to be particularly keen.

He was on trial at Staplewood during December and it seems that Saints like what they saw of the central midfielder who in the season just completed in the Republic broke into the Cork City first team making 23 appearances and scoring 4 goals plus an assist.

So although he will go into our U21 academy squad, he has experience in senior football and could be one for the future a little quicker than we think.

Photo: Action Images

underweststand added 11:36 - Jan 12 Really ? ....you mean a real signing? Are we sure the ink is dry on the contract?. Good that he recognised that Saints are a good idea for young players and there has been a fair amount of positive articles about him. Having Bazunu and Smallbone already at the club might have played a role in his signing.
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