Perhaps I read it wrong, (highly possible), but I thought the Saints statement infered that he will join up with the club after Japan's next round of international games.

Yeah, that's what i read too. He's got a friendly and then a qualifier with Japan. At least we'll be able to see how he performs in those games.

Mayuka is available for Man U though.

What about Ramirez AND Del Pierro!? (If Del Pierro were to sign i'd be straight down the Saints store getting my shirt printed lol!).

darhangelv2, I'd be in the queue behind you for a Del Piero shirt, Juve being my fave foreign club! Seems like he's heading 'down under' to Sydney FC though...

This Ramirez deal is destroying me ,if he doesn't sign Im going to be so gutted,I don't even know if he's any good!

Lansdownsaint he looks good on the video clip I've seen of him. Very quick feet. Think Lallana with a bit more pace. So yeah, pretty good. Let's face it Del Piero sounds amazing and 10 years ago it would have been a tantalising prospect. Bringing him in now though woud have been a little Westhamesque.

I'm just wondering if Saints have banked the Ramirez deal and maybe one other less high profile deal and are now sniffing around for a few last minute bargains/ steals to just boost the quality of the squad.

BStockesaint - I know the Del Pierro thing wouldn't have been the most forward thinking signing. It would just be the pride of having owned such a prominent player (similar to the Keegan signing in stature if not age).

Hence why i went straight out and got 'Pele' printed when he signed!! Shame he was so poo :(

Yoshida looks a good player - strong and reads it well. Having played in Holland he should be able to handle physical players - hopefully having played there he should have enough English too as defenders need to talk.

Ramirez - this is a massive gamble. Looks like we had a transfer kitty and pretty much threw it all at him and didnt go for the 2nd C back, full back and winger we were linked with. He will likely play in the hole in the Lallana position and Lallana go out wide.. On his day he is Real Madrid class - but this leaves us with a Championship defence and keeper (other than Yoshisa).. We have let in 5 goals in 2 games and had a pen missed against us. Big risk! Ramirez needs to deliver big time as we are going to ship goals this season..

Sad to see Billy Sharp go - I have heard that he was a bit homesick, but still, in the run in last season when others faultered Billy scored goals and that got us promoted. He is not the quickest and you wouldnt start him in the prem or play him as a sole striker - but with 10 mins to go and you needed a goal I'd have loved to have him on the bench. J Rod needs to step up now.