Saints linked with City target Jackson

Southampton are reported to have entered the race to sign striker Simeon Jackson - believed to be the one major transfer target still on Norwich City boss Paul Lambert's wanted list.

Southampton are reported to have entered the race to sign striker Simeon Jackson - believed to be the one major transfer target still on Norwich City boss Paul Lambert's wanted list.

The Saints have been linked with Gillingham forward Jackson twice over the past year, with manager Alan Pardew trying to sign him before the start of last season, and inquiring again in the January transfer window.

He was reported to have been put off by the asking price before snapping up Lee Barnard from Southend in January for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Jackson has a year remaining on his contract at Priestfield Stadium but has already turned down a new deal with the League Two club.

Pardew is understood to be keen to add one more striker to the fairly potent trio of Rickie Lambert, Barnard and David Connolly, and reports of a possible �750,000 move for Jackson surfaced yesterday.

Southampton are currently on a pre-season tour of Switzerland as part of their preparation for the League One campaign.

City boss Lambert said earlier this week he wanted to add one more new signing to his six summer recruits, saying: “If we can do it, great. If not, it's fine, but I will try everything I can to do it.”

Lambert has signed one goalkeeper, two defenders and three midfielders during the close season but has not added to his attacking armoury.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally insists he has not had a “credible offer” for Jamaican-born Jackson, who has a year remaining on his contract.

The Canada international, who scored 17 goals for the Gills last season, has been linked with a string of clubs, including Queens Park Rangers, newly-promoted Millwall and relegated pair Plymouth and Peterborough.