STUART Ripley looks as though he could be on his way to Southampton after having discussions with Blackburn Rovers' Premiership rivals yesterday.

Although the deal has yet to be finalised.

The two clubs have already agreed on a £1.5 million fee for the player who travelled South for talks.

And Ripley said: "I will be returning to Southampton for more talks this weekend."

It came as something of a surprise when Rovers agreed to sell the 30-year-old winger who has been a popular figure with the fans since his arrival at Ewood from Middlesbrough for £1.1 million in the summer of 1992.

He was the first player Kenny Dalglish signed after Rovers clinched promotion to the Premiership.

Now it seems as though he will be leaving, with Southampton using some of the £7.25 million they received from Rovers for Kevin Davies.

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