Southampton Football Club have confirmed that they are in advanced talks with Colchester captain Dean Hammond and hope to conclude discussions within the next 24 hours…

Manager Alan Pardew has made no secret of his desire to add a few new faces to his squad before the transfer window slams shut, and has moved to try and add Hammond's experience to the mix.

The talented 26-year old is originally a product of the Brighton and Hove Albion Academy system and rose rapidly through the ranks of his local side, before eventually becoming captain in 2007.

Now with over 200 league appearances under his belt, Hammond netted 21 goals in 136 league appearances in a Brighton shirt and played under current Saints number two, Dean Wilkins during his time in charge of the Seagulls.

He then secured a £250,000 move to Colchester United in January 2008 and captained the U's in this season's astonishing 7-1 demolition of Norwich City at Carrow Road, which ultimately led to the departure of Canaries legend Bryan Gunn.

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