Werder close on van Damme

Werder Bremen are closing on a deal for Southampton's Jelle van Damme.

The Belgian stopper has stated that he has no interest in playing in The Championship next season following Saints' relegation from The Premiership.

Belgian giants Anderlecht are known to be monitoring the situation but it is Werder who are in pole position to land his signature.

It is thought that van Damme will initially join the Bundesliga outfit on loan for a season - with an option to buy should he impress.

''By the end of this week we hope to have an agreement,'' confirmed Allofs.

Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp has bolstered his coaching staff by bringing in Dave Bassett on a short-term deal.

The Saints chief is keen to bring in a set-piece specialist - as this is where Southampton struggled last season - with Bassett initially inking a one-month deal.

"Dave has terrific knowledge and enthusiasm for the game," Redknapp told the club's official website.

"He's very good at set pieces and at working with the back four and he is a bubbly character who will be good to have around the place.

"I saw him over the summer and he said he wasn't doing anything so I asked him to give me a hand for a month and then we'll see how it goes.

"We'll have to see how things work out and then maybe try to sort something out.''