Grayson finally gets his target Southern

The 31-year-old had been a long-term target of Simon Grayson, who when manager of Leeds made two unsuccessful attempts to lure the Seasiders’ longest-serving player across the Pennines.

After lodging a £300,000 offer earlier this week, the Town manager got his man with Southern signing a three-year contract following talks.

Grayson and Southern worked together for several years at Bloomfield Road, most notably in the 2006-07 season when Pool won promotion from League One via the play-offs.

Southern, despite having surgery to remove a tumour, made 27 appearances as Ian Holloway’s side reached the Championship play-off final last term.

Sheffield Wednesday, who along with Town are gearing up for the step up following promotion, are preparing a third bid for Reading winger Michail Antonio.

The Owls had their latest offer – believed to be around £700,000 – rejected earlier this week but Milan Mandaric had further talks with Reading officials after this week’s pre-season fixture between the two clubs, won 2-0 by the Yorkshire side, in Portugal.