GORDON Strachan has reportedly clinched the £1.5m signing of Saints target Nicky Bailey.

The 26-year-old midfielder should complete his move to Championship club Middlesbrough next week.

Saints boss Alan Pardew has been interested in again signing the goalscoring midfielder, with West Brom, Norwich and Celtic also keen.

Pardew paid Southend £175,000 for Bailey in the summer of 2008.

The player ended his debut season at The Valley as the club's top league scorer with 13 goals as the Addicks finished rock bottom of the Championship.

He scored 12 times in League One last season.