SAINTS yesterday captured Swedish international Mikael Nilsson - although he may not be available for the first-team until December, writes Jeremy Wilson.

The 26-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Southampton on a four-year Bosman free transfer when his contract with Halmstad expires at the end of November.

But Saints have made what they describe as a "substantial" offer to prise Nilsson away immediately.

Primarily a right-sided midfielder, Nilsson will put pressure on the likes of Fabrice Fernandes and Paul Telfer and he said: "I'm delighted to be joining Southampton. It is a good club with great facilities and some tremendous players and I am very excited by the challenge.

"The last few weeks have of course been dominated by Euro 2004 but I am glad this has all been sorted and I cannot wait."

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said: "We are bringing him in as a right midfielder but he is a very versatile player.

"He did very well in Euro 2004 and is a quality player with a lot of experience."