Versatile Irish international Rory Delap will become Southampton's most expensive player when he completes a £4million move from Derby County this afternoon. The former Carlisle United man will be Southampton manager Stuart Gray's first signing since replacing Glenn Hoddle at The Dell, subject to a medical this morning.
Gray beat Middlesbrough boss Steve McLaren to Delap's signature, while Third Division Carlisle will receive £700,000 in the deal following his initial £500,000 move to Derby in February 1998.
The deal doubles the Saints' previous record transfer, when they paid Sheffield Wednesday £2million paid for striker David Hirst in September 1997.
Filed by Shane Murray
