Southampton have tasted disappointment on deadline day with the news that Norwegian midfielder Ole Selnaes has rejected an offer to join the club.
The Saint Etienne star had been valued at £12 million by his team, and it is claimed by Team Talk that the Saints were ready to meet the asking price.
Instead, the 24-year-old is supposedly on the verge of accepting a move to Shenzhen FC of the Chinese Super League, in a long-term deal that will see him earn rather a lot of money.
The powerful defensive midfielder had been identified by new Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has someone he was eager to add to his ranks, but will have to turn his attentions elsewhere after the Orient proved to be too good for Selnaes to refuse.
The south coast side may now opt to wait until the summer to sign a new midfielder, a move which could make more sense financially.
