Spanish loan blow for Adkins

Southampton's hopes of signing Barcelona defender Andreu Fontas have been hit by the news he has been allowed to join Mallorca.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins was reportedly keeping tabs on the 22-year-old centre-half with a view to a possible bid for his services during the summer transfer window.
However, nothing materialised and Fontas seemed destined to stay at the Camp Nou at least until January when it was speculated that Adkins could renew his interest in the youngster as he looks to further bolster his defensive options at St Mary's.
But Fontas, who has so far been consigned to the Barcelona reserves since working his way through the club's youth system, will now spend the remainder of this season with Spanish La Liga outfit Mallorca.
The Islanders were granted permission to take Fontas on loan because of an injury crisis and the player will hope to gain first-team experience while also build up his fitness levels having recovered from a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered back in January.
It also means Adkins will have to switch his sights to alternative targets when the transfer window opens for business on January 1.