Boss Jim Magilton has admitted he is interested in signing out-of-contract Southampton midfielder Matt Oakley, but expects his former Saints team-mate's terms to be beyond Town's means. Oakley has rejected a one-year deal at St Mary's as he wants a longer-term deal at another club.

Magilton said: “I would love to get Matt here. He is exactly what we are looking for and I am definitely interested in him.

“As always, however, it is about what we can afford and at the moment he seems to be outside our price range. But I'll talk to him and see what we can do.”

Strengthening central midfield is one of Magilton's priorities with three trialists — Colin Healy, Eugen Bopp and Alexis Bertin — already at the club looking to win themselves a place alongside Owen Garvan in the Town side.

All three may get a run out in the first pre-season match at Boston on Saturday, with Healy already pencilled in to play 45 minutes. Bertin may not be eligible if reports in France indicating that he still has a year left on his contract with Le Havre are correct.

If this does prove to be the case and Bertin is offered the chance to stay at Portman Road, the French second division side are unlikely to ask a fee for a player who was out of favour last season, despite having been club captain during 2003/04.

The 26-year-old, reputedly strong in the tackle and very mobile, is also said to be lined up for a trial at Coventry City.

Magilton has been impressed by the Frenchman in training: “Alexis was last to join us and, after a real tough morning in the searing heat yesterday, he produced again in the afternoon when we had a practice game.”

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