SAINTS are closing in on ace German striker Oliver Bierhoff in a sensational bid to boost their firepower.

Chairman Rupert Lowe is understood to have flown to Italy for talks with mighty AC Milan who are willing to release the 33-year-old for a minimal fee.

Southampton face strong competition from Fulham and Marseille but are optimistic they can pull off a coup that would rival the stunning signing of Kevin Keegan.

Bierhoff may have to take a cut in his current salary of around £30,000 a week but, with no major fee to pay, Saints could pay a large annual signing-on sum to keep him within their basic wage structure.

Manager Stuart Gray is playing his cards close to his chest saying only: "I will not be quoted on speculation. But we are always interested in quality players and we like to think we can compete with some of the bigger clubs now."

If Saints can close the deal this weekend it would hammer out a strong message that they mean business as they move into their new stadium. It would set the city buzzing and give a massive boost to season ticket sales, currently just over 16,000.

If the deal goes through Bierhoff could make his debut in the first game at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium a week today when Saints face Espanyol in their final friendly.

Such a high-profile signing would almost certainly ensure a sell-out as fans clamour to see one of the big names in world football.

Renowned for his heading ability, Bierhoff is also strong at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. He could either strike up a twin spearhead with James Beattie or act as a foil for the pace of Marian Pahars if Saints can persuade him to sign.

Although willing to fight for his place with AC Milan, he is said to be keen to wind up his career in the Premiership.

Saints are looking to bring in a frontman after struggling to score last season. The experienced German has averaged a goal every two games for most of his career. Bierhoff shot to international fame when he scored the Germany's golden goal to win the Euro 96 final against the Czech Republic.

Bierhoff followed coach Alberto Zaccheroni from Udinese to Milan in the 1998-1999, and was top scorer and provider as they won the Serie A title overhauling Lazio on the final day of the campaign.

He struggled in a partnership with Andrei Shevchenko, sitting out Euro 2000 with a calf injury.