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Saints ready rivals raid
Southampton, 18:27, January 6, 2010 ,
French striker Vincent Pericard's short-term contract at Carlisle ends next week, with Southampton poised to land the hitman.
It had been thought Charlton and Southampton were both vying for the 27-year-old's signature, with Carlisle themselves offering Pericard a new deal.
However, Addicks boss Phil Parkinson has distanced himself from a move and Pericard is thought to have rejected Carlisle's terms, meaning the Saints are now his most likely destination.
Carlisle boss Greg Abbott claims he has heard nothing from Pericard regarding his intentions but appeared resigned to losing the former Stoke and Portsmouth striker.
He said: "At the minute it is speculation, not affirmative,
"We have made him a tremendous offer but if they are going to do something else then we are probably powerless to prevent it.
"If Vince or his agent want to come and tell me that he is not staying, that will be fine, but if it is all speculation let's leave it at that.
"If he does take up his option to go elsewhere, we will do our best to bring somebody in who makes the team even better."