John out to clinch Saints deal

Striker back training with League One club

Last updated: 3rd July 2009  

John out to clinch Saints deal

John: Training with Saints

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Southampton boss Mark Wotte has confirmed Stern John has returned to the club to try to earn a new contract.

John spent most of last season on loan at Bristol City as the troubled Saints sought to ease the pressure on their wage bill.

The Trinidad & Tobago striker is now out of contract, but has linked up with the League One club for pre-season training.

Wotte is willing to given John the chance to secure a new deal, but warned the 32-year-old would have to accept substantially lower wages.

"Stern is back with us and we have given him the opportunity to train with the first team," said Wotte. "We have spoken about his future and he has said he is enjoying being back on the training ground.

"He needs to work on his fitness and knows he would have to settle for a lot less if we were in a position to offer him any sort of contract in League One.

"That is not something we are able to do until any takeover has been agreed, but we are doing everything we can to make sure we are as prepared as possible.

"We are hoping to play him in some of the friendlies coming up and we will see how things work out."

Meanwhile, Wotte has also handed a trial to 28-year-old Nigerian-born striker Ode Thompson.

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