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Southampton boss Glenn Hoddle is poised to sign French teenage striker Patrice Tano from his former club Monaco on a free transfer. Hoddle moved to sign Tano after he impressed the former Hoddle during Saints' summer training camp in La Manga last month. The young striker spent three days with the rest of the Saints squad in Spain during which time he fitted in immediately and Tano will sign a four- year contract at The Dell subject to passing a medical.

 

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Saints' second signing of the season was completed yesterday when ex Monaco striker Patrice Tano signed a four year deal. The player is from the Ivory Coast, but holds a French passport which relieved Rupert Lowe no end.

The 18 year old player bought out the last part of his contract with Monaco and joined Saints on their recent trip to La Manga where he impressed Saints enough for them to offer him a contract.

John Gorman described the player as "a bit of a surprise package", further adding that he felt the player had a great first touch (unlike a certain other Saints young striker).

Meanwhile Tano, who doesn't speak much English said how the players themselves had persuaded him to join the club after they were friendly and welcoming to him at La Manga, unlike French professionals who don't generally talk to youth players. Yep, he said all this, and he didn't say it in English