Crainey snubs Hammers

Celtic defender Stephen Crainey has snubbed a possible move to West Ham, signing instead for Premiership outfit Southampton, it was revealed earlier this evening (Friday).

Hammers boss Alan Pardew was known to be interested in Crainey, and, according to reports, had agreed a fee with Celtic for the talented Scottish full-back.

But it was revealed tonight that the 22-year-old defender has opted instead to sign for the south-coast club.

Crainey signs for the Saints in a deal worth around £500,000, and leaves Pardew still searching for an experienced full-back to cover for Rufus Brevett during his enforced absence.

One player who appears keen to fill that void is current loanee Jon Harley, who has made two appearances for the Hammers thus far - and is yet to play in a losing side.

The former Chelsea full-back has been told by current club Fullham that he can leave on a free, despite having moved across West London three years ago for a fee worth around £3.5m.

The news of Pardew's interest in Crainey - and Bolton's Anthony Barness - would suggest that Pardew remains unsure about Harley, a player who has made just 82 starts in 7 seasons due to a succession of injuries.

Meanwhile, Pardew is thought to be interested in Wimbledon midfielder Jobi McAnuff, another player who has interested Premiership clubs in recent months despite his Wimbledon side sitting bottom of the Nationwide First Division.

The 22-year-old right-winger - real name Joel, no less - broke into Wimbledon's first team last season and became an instant hit with Dons fans following a string of splendid performances.

So much so that Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp tried to sign the player last summer, in a double-deal which included West Ham's Nigel Reo-Coker.