BRETT Ormerod should become a Southampton player today after a £1.5million fee for the prolific striker was agreed between the two sides.

The 25-year-old was immediately pulled out of Blackpool's squad travelling to Chesterfield for an LDV Vans Trophy clash, and instead he was expected to head south for a medical and to discuss personal terms later today.

The fee, a record for the Second Division side, is expected to rise to around £1.75million depending on appearances, and follows lengthy discussions held yesterday between chairmen Rupert Lowe and his Blackpool counterpart, Karl Oyston.

Oyston said last night: "The deal is not concluded as yet. It is subject to a medical and the player's personal terms, but the most important elements are sorted.

"It has been a long, drawn-out affair, but anything involving money generally is. It is tinged with sadness because we are not in a position where we have to sell our best players in order to survive.

"But when manager Steve McMahon and I negotiated Brett's last contract we said we wouldn't stand in his way if he had a chance to better himself, and we all agree going to play in the Premiership is bettering himself.

"From Brett's point of view it's a dream come true - for any footballer it's a dream to go and play in the Premier League.

"He's earned that, he's a model professional and a really nice lad. I think every Blackpool supporter should not begrudge him taking this opportunity and grabbing it with both hands, I'm sure he'll make the most of it.

"He's always given his all for the club right up to the end and I'm sure he will for Southampton in the future."

Saints have scored just 11 goals in 13 Premiership games, and the signing of Ormerod, in tandem with the £3.2million capture last month of Ecuadorian international marksman, Agustin Delgado, will spice up the competition for places.

For Saints boss Gordon Strachan, his first target will be Saturday's crucial Premiership clash at Leicester City, although it seems highly improbable that Ormerod will start the game with no reserve match scheduled between now and the weekend.

He may, therefore, have to contest one of the substitutes' places. Blackpool boss McMahon believes that Ormerod will do well at the higher level.

"He's been red-hot since last year. It hasn't just been this season," said the former Liverpool legend.

"Brett scored about 25 goals last year and got five in three games in the play-offs. He's developed over the last 12 months."

Blackpool now plan to invest the money in new players, and chairman Oyston believes Saints have got themselves a good deal.

He added: "I think most people agree Brett is worth every penny. He's a committed player and I think he's capable.

"Gordon Strachan's no fool, he's a sound judge of quality."

BRETT ORMEROD FACTFILE

Born: Blackburn, October 18, 1976.

Height: 5ft 11in.

Weight: 11st 4lb.

This season: 20 goals, 3 yellow cards.

TOTAL: Made 151 appearances for Blackpool, 62 goals.

Brett is a committed and hard working striker who joined the Seasiders from non-league Accrington Stanley for £50,000 in 1997.

He started the 1999-2000 season in great form scoring five goals in the first 14 games before suffering a broken leg in the 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers on October 23, 1999.

Brett had a great 2000/2001 season as he and John Murphy formed a great partnership, with Ormerod bagging 17 goals.

He scored some very important goals including two in each of the play-off semi-final legs against Hartlepool and the last goal in the Division Three play-off final against Leyton Orient at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which Blackpool won 4-2 to earn promotion.