Southampton have opened talks with Liverpool aimed at signing the Croatian midfielder Igor Biscan after the transfer window opens on Saturday.

Biscan, who has played only a bit-part role since joining the Merseysiders in a £5.5 million deal from Dinamo Zagreb four years ago, is out of contract in the summer and will be allowed to leave for a nominal fee. However, he may prefer to consider his options on the continent before committing himself to St Mary's.

The Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe held talks with Liverpool officials after his side's 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Tuesday, with a view to making Biscan Harry Redknapp's first signing for the club.

The former Portsmouth manager confirmed that he hoped to bring in "three or four more faces" during January, to be funded by the sale of James Beattie to Aston Villa, Everton or Newcastle.

He could be joined on the south coast by his Anfield team-mate Stephane Henchoz, who will also be allowed to leave and has attracted interest from Manchester City.

The Premier League has announced that clubs will not be allowed to field players bought in the transfer window until January 5th.

Although they can be officially bought and sold from New Year's Day, the registration and administration process means clubs cannot field new acquisitions in the Premiership on January 1st or in the next full programme, two days later.

Guardian Service