Saints told Peterborough winger would be 'shrewd signing' by former player

FORMER Saints midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Peterborough winger Kwame Poku would be a "shrewd signing" for the St Mary's club.

Poku, 23, has scored 10 goals and provided five assists across 15 games in League One for Posh so far this season.

The one-time Ghana international hit a hat trick and provided an assist in a 6-1 win over Cambridge United on Saturday.

Peterborough rejected a £3million bid for Poku in the summer and unconfirmed reports have since linked Saints, Ipswich, Burnley and Millwall with a move for him.

Poku is in the final year of his contract, and Saints have done business with Peterborough recently, signing Ronnie Edwards in the summer.

Palmer told Football League World: "I think what it is with Southampton, they've sat down in the boardroom and had a talk about what is going on. They have to be very realistic about this."

"Although they're trying to maintain their Premier League status, the likelihood is that they are going to get relegated.

"Maybe this is just an issue where they're looking at a player of Poku's ability for back in the Championship next season.

"He's scored 10 goals, he's a very talented player. It would be a shrewd signing for them next season in the Championship, that is for sure.

"Could he help their survival chances? I don't know whether he can play at that level. He's certainly got pace, he's certainly direct, he's certainly got creativity.

"He certainly knows where the goal is. You have to think sensibly, you have to think ahead so that you can make a decision. It's not thinking negatively, it's being realistic.

"Yes, we're going to have a good go at staying up, but if we don't, then the plan is that we're going to have to get rid of players to fit in with financial fair play.

"Then, we're going to hit it and come straight back. That will be the plan."