SAINTS have been linked with an audacious move for Pompey’s former £4.1m striker Benjani.

As previously reported on the Daily Echo website, the 31-year-old Zimbabwean striker is currently a free agent after being released by Manchester City last month.

Benjani was signed by Pompey boss Harry Redknapp in Jauary 2006, shortly after the manager had returned to the club from Saints.

He had been recommended to Redknapp by Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger.

Benjani moved onto Manchester City just over two years later in a £3.8m deal.

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The player, also recently linked with a move to Premiership clubs Blackburn, West Ham and Wolves, ended last season on loan at Sunderland, failing to score in eight starts.

The possible capture of Benjani would be a remarkable piece of business by Pardew, capturing an experienced Premier League strike - and beating off top flight clubs in the process.

Saints boss Alan Pardew has also reportedly failed with a £400,000 bid for his former Reading striker Nathan Tyson.

• Comment: Benjani to Saints? Seems a bit unlikely!