Saints close to finalising deal for Peterborough defender - in addition to Wood

SAINTS are close to finalising a deal to sign Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards - in addition to Nathan Wood.

The St Mary's side are hopeful of landing Swansea City centre-back Wood, 22, as their third signing of the summer window.

They will pay a fee of around £3million for the England youth international who was signed to Swans by Russell Martin.

As well as landing former Middlesbrough man Wood, Saints believe they are close to the capture of promising Peterborough defender Edwards.

Swansea City's Nathan Wood looks set for a move to St Mary's (Image: PA)

The St Mary's side are set pay a similar initial fee for the Harlow-born youngster who has already made 142 appearances for Posh.

Edwards is a long-term target of Saints and has been linked with a Peterborough exit for several transfer windows in a row.

He has entered the last year of his deal at Posh and was set for a move to the Premier League this summer.

Meanwhile, Saints had transfer bids rejected by Swansea for Wood last summer before they sealed the loan of Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Harwood-Bellis, 22, completed a permanent transfer to St Mary's for £20million this week as a result of the club's promotion.

Starting Saints centre-back Jan Bednarek has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has been a transfer target for European clubs over the last year.