The arrival of Dutch duo Jan Poortvliet and Mark Wotte in Southampton has been heralded as the start of a new continental-style era on the south coast.

But while beautiful women with oversized dark sunglasses sipping cappuccinos in cafes are surely just around the corner, Poortvliet may have to look a little closer to home for inspiration on his first foray into the transfer market.

To be more precise, the new Saints manager will look to Craven Cottage, where Fulham flop Chris Baird has, against all the odds, become a top target.

The Northern Irishman was bought by Lawrie Sanchez for £3 million last summer but failed to live up to expectations in west London (which were surely not even that high in the first place) and the Cottagers are keen to offload the defender for a cut price £1.5 million.

But Southampton are wary of the full-back's recent form and are only willing to take him on a long-term loan.

Relegated Derby are set to be prime movers and shakers this summer as the Rams seek to rectify the problems which last season saw them become the worst Premier League side ever.

Top priority for boss Paul Jewell is to find a replacement for the Robbie Savage, whose form since his arrival at Pride Park was nothing to be proud of at all. Doncaster midfielder Paul Green is reportedly close to agreeing a deal.

Having conceded 89 goals, another priority for the Rams is to plug the holes which sprung at the back last season and Wigan stopper Ryan Taylor is seen as the ideal man to do that. The one snag? Taylor wants to stay in the top flight.

Fellow drop-boys Birmingham have waved goodbye to Finland striker Mikael Forssell, who finally joined German club Hannover on a free transfer.

German-born Forssell was a crowd favourite at St. Andrews but a hellish three years of injury saw him fall out of favour.

He was set to join the German side earlier in the season but, surprise surprise, a failed medical saw them pull out of the deal.

Elsewhere, Emile Mpenza may have done little to impress during his time at Manchester City, but Ipswich see some latent talent in the Belgian striker and are willing to snare him on a free transfer.

Coventry outcast Kevin Kyle is on the verge of leaving the Ricoh Arena and moving to Southend as the striker bids to resurrect his flagging career which has seen him net just five times in two seasons in the Midlands.

And finally, having already made two failed bids for striker Danny Webber back in January, Crystal Palace are set to make another move for boss Neil Warnock's former charge at Sheffield United.

Eurosport