A mystery bidder has emerged to buy Southampton, just five months after Gareth Bale's £5million sale to Tottenham stopped the club going into administration.
The Stock Exchange was last night informed an offer, which could eventually be worth £40m, has been made to the St Mary's board from a UK-based buyer.
Rumours have been circulating that former Manchester City player Ray Ranson will make a bid, but the buyer's identity could stay a secret for up to two weeks while the offer is put to shareholders.
01 10 2007
Wales have problems in attack after naming their squad for the UEFA EURO 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and San Marino.
Captain Craig Bellamy, who inspired a 5-2 win in Slovakia last month, is included by manager John Toshack even though he has missed West Ham United FC's last three games with a groin strain.
The manager's other options – Freddie Eastwood, Robert Earnshaw and Jermaine Easter – are all out of favour at their clubs.
Wigan Athletic FC midfielder Jason Koumas is included after missing the Slovakia trip through injury. Wales play Cyprus in Nicosia, on 13 October and face San Marino in Serravalle four days later.
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Danny Coyne (Tranmere Rovers FC), Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Lewis Price (Derby County FC).
Defenders: Danny Gabbidon, James Collins (West Ham United FC), Steve Evans (Wrexham FC), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County FC), Craig Morgan (Peterborough FC), Sam Ricketts (Hull City AFC), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Neal Eardley (Oldham Athletic FC).
Midfielders: Simon Davies (Fulham FC), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City FC), Jason Koumas (Wigan Athletic FC), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham FC), Mark Jones (Wrexham FC), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace FC), Carl Robinson (Toronto FC), David Vaughan (Real Sociedad de Futbol).
Forwards: Craig Bellamy (West Ham United FC), Robert Earnshaw (Derby County FC), Freddy Eastwood (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Jermaine Easter (Wycombe Wanderers FC).
