Michail Antonio and Aaron Martin on verge of Southampton deals

8:10am Tuesday 3rd November 2009

By Gordon Simpson

MICHAIL Antonio is today set to extend his loan deal at Saints, while Eastleigh’s Aaron Martin still waits for his dream move to St Mary’s.

Reading midfielder Antonio joined Saints for an initial period of a month at the beginning of October.

That deal officially expired yesterday, but the club were expecting to announce the loan was being extended today.

The full details are not yet known, but it is understood he is likely to join for another month.

The 19-year-old, who possesses searing pace and plenty of skill, has played a key part in Saints’ recent run of good form.

He made his debut in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over Torquay and has since been used as a substitute by Saints boss Alan Pardew, being deployed down the right wing.

Although still a raw talent, Antonio has provided a real spark from the bench on a number of occasions.

Most notably, he helped inspire Saints’ comebacks in the 3-1 win over MK Dons and Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Leyton Orient.

It is those performances that have persuaded Pardew to keep him on a bit longer.

Antonio’s deal with the Royals expires next summer and Saints would likely be in pole position to sign him on a permanent basis if the chance arises and they see fit.

Eastleigh defender Martin is also hopeful a deal to bring him to the club will finally be struck.

The 20-year-old former Itchen College pupil was due to complete his move to Saints late yesterday afternoon.

However, the formalities of the deal weren’t quite completed in time for him to be unveiled and it has, once again, been put back.

There is understood to be no problems with the transfer and both sides hope it will be completed imminently.

It has been a frustrating saga for the youngster, who has been on the verge of making the short move from the Silverlake Stadium for a number of weeks.

It has also been a far from ideal scenario for Eastleigh, who are no doubt keen to fully concentrate on one of their biggest weeks in recent memory.

The Spitfires travel to Barrow for the first round of the FA Cup this Saturday – the first time they have ever made it to that stage of the competition in their history.

Martin was handed a chance in Saints reserves’ match at Plymouth on October 13 and, shortly after that, Pardew confirmed he was weighing up a permanent move for him.

It now appears to be firmly on the brink and could be completed as early as today.