SAINTS boss Dave Jones is weighing up a possible Norwegian double.He has enquired about Coventry midfielder Trond Egil Soltvedt and Molde utility man Jo Tessem.,

Soltvedt, 32, is thought to be available for around half the £600,000 paid to Rosenborg two years ago after being forced out of the reckoning by the Sky Blues' new Moroccan duo.

Tessem impressed during Saints' pre-season friendly at Molde where he played the first half on the right wing before shining at centre-back after the break.

The Norwegians need the cash but don't want to let him go while they still have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Jones confirmed: "We have enquired about both but they are just two of many players we have asked about. It has not gone any further than that at the moment.

"We are looking to strengthen in all areas and we were like the Red Arrows at the weekend. We were out here, there and everywhere."

One of the players eyed up was Viking Stavanger's Swedish midfielder Magnus Svensson but Jones said: "There is nothing in that - and there is not likely to be."

Coventry have confirmed that Soltvedt is available for £300,000 and have indicated they will be prepared to part with the hard-running midfielder who has looked strong in pre-season.

Chairman Bryan Richardson said: "There is interest in Soltvedt and we will be talking about it with him today."

Meanwhile Saints defender Marco Almeida has been forced to put his Premiership career briefly on hold before it has even begun.

With Dean Richards still struggling with an ankle injury, the Portuguese centre-back is on standby for a possible debut at home to Leeds tonight (kick-off 7.45).

But Almeida has already been ruled out of Sunday's televised clash with Newcastle after being called up for international duty with the Under-21 side who take on Norway.

Saints expect Richards to pass a fitness test before the game but manager Dave Jones said: "I would have no hesitation throw-ing in Marco.

"He has looked the part and earned his chance so we might as well give it to him. It would be a big thing for him but it would be a way to find out about him.

"If he can handle it then maybe we have got a player. But we are still hopeful that Dean will make it. He's sore but he should be OK."

Richards did not train again yesterday but said: "It was mainly a precaution. It is getting better all the time and I hope to play."

Almeida is delighted just to be in with a chance of playing after joining Saints on a year's loan from Sporting Lisbon less than a month ago.

Egil Ostenstad will be aiming to continue his rich vein of scoring form against a Leeds side who are strongly rumoured to be interested in signing him.

But Ostenstad said: "I have heard nothing other than what I read in the papers. I asked my agent about it and he has heard nothing either."

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