Former Saints player Stephen McPhee has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool. The striker has been doing well for Portuguese side Beira Mar this season, having signed for them in the summer after leaving Port Vale.

Liverpool are currently struggling for a striker, with Djibril Cisse and Milan Baros both out for various periods of time. Having sold Michael Owen in the summer, they are now left with youngsters such as Neil Mellor, not an ideal situation.

There are various problems with any move, however. The transfer window is closed until January, and it seems FIFA rules mean McPhee can't move twice in a season. Beira Mar would also be looking for a big fee for the striker.

Liverpool's chief scout watched McPhee recently and said: "He is a player that we have checked on already before coming here and we know he has done well in the Portuguese championship.