Saints were today hoping to seal a deal to sell Nathan Dyer that could pay the club’s wage bill for another month on a crunch day at St Mary’s.

With the wages of players, staff and management due today Saints have to find the cash from somewhere or face up to a bleak future.

Though Saints were still pressing to finalise a deal to sell the club today, Dyer’s sale could provide another four weeks of breathing space if Swansea complete the paperwork to buy the winger on time – but the move would still have to approved by the Football League.

The Daily Echo understands that a deal has been agreed that will see Swansea pay £200,000 up front in cash with a further £200,000 lump sum to arrive on a set date.

Due to the nature of a guarantee of cash like that, Saints would be able to borrow that amount of money meaning they could fund the wages if it all went through without a hitch.

Saints will have a substantial sell-on clause for Dyer as well as top ups on appearances etc.

The deal was believed to have been agreed several days ago but Saints are still waiting on Swansea to put pen to paper and then hand over the cash.

Saints boss Mark Wotte said: “Nathan is an academy player who had his difficulties at Southampton but because of his speed and his technique he can be a valuable player in the future.

“We reached an agreement with Swansea which everybody was happy with and so wish him all the best."

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