SAINTS have been linked with a loan move for Senegal World Cup star Khalilou Fadiga.

The player, who can operate either on the wing or up front, only signed for Inter Milan from Auxerre last summer.

But on joining the Italian giants it was discovered that Fadiga, 29, had an abnormal heartbeat which could put his life at risk.

But he was given the all-clear by a Spanish specialist, and a third series of tests showed the irregular heartbeat was caused by a virus, which was treatable.

Fadiga, however, has hardly played this season as a result of overcoming the virus.

He began his career with Paris St Germain but made his name in Belgium with Liege and Club Bruges before joining Auxerre in 2000. He played for Senegal in the 2002 World Cup, helping the minnows beat holders France in the opening match.

FRANCIS BENALI - MY SUPERB SAINTS CAREER: 4-page special in today's Sport On Monday supplement.