PETER Phillips is keen to forge even closer links with Saints ahead of tonight's friendly.

The Cherries chairman believes the two clubs can cultivate their already healthy relationship.

And that could see more of Saints' talented youngsters allowed to cut their teeth at Dean Court - just as Matthew Mills and Martin Cranie did last season in four and one-month loans respectively.

Phillips said: "We're very keen to build up an even better relationship with Southampton than we already have.

"With Southampton now in the Championship - albeit temporarily - they won't be keen to lend out their players to other Championship clubs.

"That improves our chances of getting one or two of the better youngsters, who aren't in Harry Redknapp's immediate plans, on loan here next season."

Both Mills, right, and Cranie were excellent acquisitions for Sean O'Driscoll last term and Saints boss Redknapp's affection for Cherries has seen him help out his former club on several occasions.

Phillips said: "Matthew and Martin were outstanding young players who did very well for us last season.

"We will be very keen to talk to Southampton about the possibilities of those or other players like them coming to Bournemouth next season.

"Harry is a great friend of the club and he has looked after us more than once in the past - Rio Ferdinand and Jer-main Defoe spring to mind!

"Their youngsters will learn far more playing first-team football than playing in the reserves.

"Of course it is helpful that we are just down the road so they can keep an eye on them or pop back and see their physios when they need to.

"It is not like sending them away up north somewhere where they might not see them.

"So of course, that is something we would very much like to build up on the playing side."

The Cherries chief is also hopeful his club can learn from Saints OFF the field.

He said: "Southampton are an extremely well run business and there is a lot we can learn from them.

"There may be even more potential now that they are not in the Premiership.

"They are looking to tighten their belts in certain areas and that means there are more and more things we can do together.

"They have already given us a great deal of help since our groundsman Dave Edwards left with our pitch preparation for next season.

"Andy Gray is working on a part-time basis for us as well as them and it works out well.

"We also think there are other elements, such as facilities management, where we may be able to work together to our mutual benefit."