Homegrown starlet set for Meadow Lane return

McGoldrick - still aged just 18 - is now a Southampton player, having made the switch from the Magpies in the summer of 2004.

The skillful striker became the second youngest ever player to feature in a first-team game when he appeared as a substitute in Notts' 2-1 defeat at home to Swindon in January '04, aged just 16.

The forward (left) even started in games against Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday that season, but turned down the offer of scholarship terms and, with a host of Premiership clubs on his trail, opted to join the Saints in a fee that could rise to £500,000.

He has since continued to progress at St Mary's, scoring a highly-impressive 14 goals in just 7 appearences at reserve and youth level so far this campaign. He made his first-team debut in this week's embarrasing 1-0 Carling Cup defeat at Mansfield Town, appearing as a 75th minute substitute.

Meanwhile, Notts County boss Gudjon Thordarson has also captured 18-year-old Berry for the same time period.

The skillful wide-man is highly-rated by Palace boss Iain Dowie, who was keen for him to gain first-team experience out on loan, though the diminutive attack-minded player has made two appearences for the Eagles in the Carling Cup.

Both of the moves are expected to be officially confirmed today, with Thordarson hoping both will be registered in-time to be eligible for tomorrow's match against Rushden & Diamonds.

For all the latest transfer news and gossip, be sure to check back to NCM.