JAVIER: I COULDN'T SAY 'NO'

De Pedro claims Saints are in talks with Real Sociedad over a possible move for the 30-year-old.

Sociedad, who were pipped to La Liga title by Real Madrid on the final day of last season, have admitted they will have to sell De Pedro, who is in the final year of his contract and could leave for nothing next summer.

The Spaniards are not in a position to offer the left-sided player, who had the most assists in the whole of La Liga last season, an improved contract and Saints are believed to be ready to offer £2.1m.

But the St Mary's outfit will not break their wage structure to land De Pedro, even though they face competition from Bordeaux for the his signature.

De Pedro today said: "At this moment, I belong to Real Sociedad and it would have to be something really great for me to want to leave my local club, where I've been loved by the fans.

"But I can't say no to playing in the Premier League and the Saints offer sounds amazing. The numbers are incredible and I couldn't decline it at my age.

"It would be a good decision to take as Sociedad have said they can't make a similar contract and I understand talks have now begun with Southampton representatives.

Club president Jose Luis Astiazaran confirmed: "De Pedro has told us of a very good offer for him. If the club is really interested, they will make a firm offer for him."

Saints boss Gordon Strachan said: "He (De Pedro) is just one of many we have checked out, but we have definitely not signed him."

The Echo contacted Saints' press office this morning for a comment but had received no reply by the time we went to press.

French club Metz are claiming that Saints have agreed to sign Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor.

The 19-year-old scored 13 goals last season as Metz won promotion to the French First Division.

Metz spokesman Jean-Marie Schiffmacher said: "Both clubs have found an agreement."

The Echo contacted Saints' press office this morning but were still waiting on a reply when we went to press.