SKACEL SET TO GO SOUTH

HEARTS star Rudi Skacel is on standby to begin talks today about a move to Southampton.

The Jambos and former boss George Burley, now in charge at StMary's, are inching closer to a deal for the Czech midfielder.

Skacel, 26, walked out of Tynecastle earlier this month and returned home to Prague as confusion reigned about his contract status at the club.

However, it's believed a transfer fee has been discussed by Vladimir Romanov and the Championship side, although both parties were keeping tight-lipped last night on the amount.

Skacel has still to meet Southampton to discuss terms and conditions, although he is preparing to fly to the south coast at a moment's notice.

Romanov appears finally to have decided to cut loose a player he secured for around £350,000 fromFrench side Marseille, initially on a 12-month loan deal with the option of a two-year contract.

Romanov took up the option at the end of the season, which had been agreed 12 months earlier with the player, sparking a protest from Skacel who had grown increasingly unhappy with the Lithuanian's regime.

Now they're set to go their separate ways but until it's official Skacel, at least, is taking nothing for granted.

Taken from the Daily Record