Southampton have named winger Rudi Skácel in their squad for this evening's reserve team friendly at Weymouth. The Czech international has been in discussions with Town regarding a move to Portman Road for some weeks, a £1 million fee having been agreed and the player having undergone a medical.
Head coach Jan Poortvliet says he still expects the ex-Hearts and Marseille man to move on: "We have to sell some players, which is good for the club and its finances, but in the meantime we have to go on and work with all the players.
"Everyone is now in training, including [Jhon] Viafara and Skácel, because it is better for them also, if they do go, to have trained and be in good condition.
"You never know when players will move on, but we have to keep them in good condition.â€Â
Last week the Czech media claimed Skácel had agreed terms with the Blues, while his agent said the deal was close to be completed.
German clubs had previously been claimed to be looking at the 29-year-old, however, the agent said there was no concrete interest and there has been nothing linking Skácel, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Hertha Berlin, with any sides in the German media.
Meanwhile, former Blue Jamie Clapham has joined Southend United on trial, having left Leicester City at the end of last season. The 32-year-old has been training with Tony Mowbray's West Brom since being released by the Foxes.