The Automatic Saints News Thread

Southampton Football Club
21

Sourced from Stretty News (Weblog)

Report: United to improve offer for Morgan Schneiderlin Stretty News | Manchester United Blog

According to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, Manchester United are poised to make a second bid for Morgan Schneiderlin after Southampton rejected an opening offer of around £20 million for the midfielder.

It was reported on Friday that Southampton are eager to clarify Morgan Schneiderlin’s future ahead of their pre-season preparations in Austria. We also told you negotiations were still ongoing and that a Champions League clause was being demanded by the Saints.

Louis van Gaal clearly wants to add the France international to his squad to bolster midfield options. Aged 25, Schneiderlin could add more consistency than Michael Carrick, whose absences cost United greatly last season.

Jackson’s report also suggests van Gaal has been told by Ed Woodward that United must be serious challengers next season which is no surprise with the club looking to reach heights of the past, under Sir Alex Ferguson, again.

This demand is not only imposed by Woodward but by pretty much everyone involved at United. We reached our ambitions last season by securing a spot in the top four but now it’s time to get a step further.

The squad is not ready to win the league yet but it’s capable of challenging and making Chelsea sweat at the collar. Although to meet this demand, van Gaal needs to strenghten his squad with at least one holding midfielder, a right-back and a striker, should Robin van Persie depart.

Southampton are allegedly looking for £25 million before permitting the sale of Schneiderlin which is not a lot considering he’s a player with so much talent yet time on his side to improve.

22

Sourced from Metro.co.uk

Man United ‘set to make improved £25m bid for midfield destroyer’

23

Sourced from Football 365

Premier League fixtures on Sky Sports: Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City live on bumper 2015/16 opening weekend

Chelsea will start their Premier League title defence exclusively live on Sky Sports, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City also on a bumper opening-weekend bill.

The Blues’ curtain-raiser against Swansea on Saturday, August 8 is the first of 24 live matches on Sky Sports from the opening seven rounds of the new 2015/16 season, with Arsenal and Liverpool starring in the first Super Sunday clashes, Manchester City featuring in the return of Monday Night Football and Manchester United in front of the cameras in a one-off Friday night game.

Sky Sports will show every team live by the end of September and the schedule features 14 matches involving last season’s top four, as well as mouthwatering head-to-heads including Manchester City v Chelsea, Arsenal v Liverpool and Manchester United v Liverpool.

The live matches are the first of 116 Barclays Premier League fixtures to be shown exclusively live on Sky Sports with unrivalled analysis from Thierry Henry, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness.

Sky Sports viewers can enjoy another huge season of live football kicking off in August, including 127 matches from the Football League - more than ever before - Capital One Cup, the climax of UEFA Euro 2016 qualification and action from Scotland in the SPFL and Scottish Cup, as well as MLS and Eredivisie.

Sky Sports Managing Director Barney Francis said: "Sky Sports will be live from the home of the champions as another Premier League season kicks off, and with these first seven rounds of games there is much to look forward to.

"In our opening 24 matches we will show every Premier League team, telling the complete story as the season starts to take shape, as well as the big head-to-heads like Man City v Chelsea and Man Utd v Liverpool.

“With 116 games from the Premier League it will be another huge season of live football on Sky Sports, with more Football League games than ever before and the Euro 2016 qualifiers coming to a conclusion with all the Home Nations in with a shot at getting to France next summer.”

Global football icon Thierry Henry said: "I can’t wait for the Premier League season to begin so we can get back into the studio on Sky Sports.

"Starting at Chelsea, everyone will be looking at them to see if they can retain their title, and on that opening weekend we also have Man City and Arsenal from last season’s top three; they will want to show they can put up a challenge.

"It’s also important that we tell the whole story of the Premier League, all 20 clubs in the first two months so we can understand each team, how they start the season will be crucial and Sky Sports will be there to show it.”

From August Sky Sports will be the only place to see the big kick-off with SPFL champions Celtic starting at home against Ross County on Saturday, August 1, and then in the Football League with Brighton welcoming Nottingham Forest on Friday, August 7, a day before Chelsea take on Swansea City in the opening game of the Premier League.

The first Super Sunday of the season will see Liverpool return to Stoke following their defeat on the final day of last season. The following day Monday Night Football returns as West Brom welcome Manchester City, and a week later Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher will cover Bournemouth’s visit to Anfield for the first time as a Premier League club.

Monday Night Football will also see Arsenal face Liverpool in August, as well as Slaven Bilic come up against Steve McClaren when West Ham face Newcastle in September - eight years on from England’s Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley.

Premier League teams will be looking to make additions to their squad before the big kick-off and Sky Sports News HQ will follow all the transfer news through to deadline day, our dedicated Transfer Centre available at skysports.com/football and via the Sky Sports apps for supporters on the go.

Sky Sports will offer at least four more seasons of the Premier League, with 116 lives games coming this season increasing to 126 each term from the 2016/17 season.

Find all this season’s fixtures at www.skysports.com/football or via the Sky Sports apps.

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Sourced from CaughtOffside

25

Sourced from TEAMtalk

Man United up their offer for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin - Southampton News, Transfer Talk & Gossip | TEAMtalk

Manchester United will reportedly make an improved bid for Morgan Schneiderlin after Southampton rejected their initial £20million bid.

United manager Louis van Gaal is keen to add the midfielder to his squad and hopes to complete a deal before the club fly out on their summer tour of the United States on July 13.

United are likely to up their offer to nearer the £25million mark after Saints snubbed their first offer on June 20 for the long-serving Frenchman.

Southampton are reportedly hoping to hold out for £30million, but with the Frenchman keen to leave, it looks increasingly likely that the compromise bid of around £25million will be accepted.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman conceded earlier this week that he expects the player to leave St Mary’s this summer when he said: "We have some doubts about players.

"We have the situation with Morgan Schneiderlin, we will have to wait what will happen.

“Until now, we have not a serious bid for him from Man United. We will wait, but OK - that’s business that normally starts from now.”

Van Gaal is desperate to strenghten his squad this summer ahead of a busy start to the season, which also includes a two-legged Champions League qualifier.

So far, United have only signed Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven, but are also hoping to strengthen their options in defence and up front before the end of the transfer window.

Schneiderlin joined the Saints from Strasbourg in 2008 and has been an integral player in guiding the team from League One to the upper reaches of the Premier League. The player has also been linked with Tottenham and Arsenal, but they withdrew their interest once it became apparent he wanted to sign for United.

26

Sourced from The Busby Babe (Weblog)

Manchester United to increase offer for Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin

Manchester United hope to tie up the transfer of Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton with an increased bid of around £25 million.

Southampton rejected an opening bid of £20 million from United in the past two weeks, with the club not needing to sell from a financial point of view.

Nevertheless, Southampton have accepted that the French midfielder will be leaving this summer, and are happy to wait to get the best price for their midfielder, after keeping him on for another season when Spurs were interested.

Manchester United and Arsenal were then rumoured to be after the player, but Arsenal have been put off by the price and decided that Francis Coquelin might be sufficient for the season in defensive midfield (or may be after another, more established player like Arturo Vidal).

Louis van Gaal wants to get the player signed before the start of the pre-season US tour, with the players flying out on 13 July. He will hope that at least one other new signing, possibly more, will be able to join the team at that time, with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Seamus Coleman looking the most likely, as the Sergio Ramos transfer drags on.

27

Sourced from Daily Echo

PHOTOS: Saints star puts city pupils through their paces

SAINTS’ star striker showed off his circus skills as well as his football credentials as he opened a school sports hall.

Shane Long was at Lakeside School in Chandler’s Ford to cut the ribbon on its new £500,000 building.

He then bravely joined in a game of five-a-side with pupils despite the fact that he had to play barefoot as he had arrived wearing flip-flops.

The striker, who joined Southampton from Hull City in August last year, then posed for pictures and autographed shirts and photographs with delighted pupils.

However, Shane also got roped into a circus skills workshop.

Having declined trying on a straitjacket, Shane did have a go spinning plates and tossing a tray of spoons and mugs - the aim being to get as many spoons to land in the cups as possible.

He managed an impressive four out of five.

The school’s former sports hall, still in use, was part of the original school when it opened 40 years ago and struggled to fit in the school’s 84 pupils.

It was too small to even play one game of badminton on because pupils ran out of room at the back of the court.

The new facility, around double the size, came about thanks to funding from Hampshire County Council.

Contractors handed over the building three weeks ago after eight months construction.

Shane’s visit to the school, which takes boys aged 11 to 16, came about through his friendship with Linda Howard, a senior support worker for the boarding part of the school, whose son Brian Howard played at Reading with Shane and who asked him to come down.

Excited Spencer Eakin, 12, wearing a full Saints kit, said: "He was really nice and he’s my favourite player.

“It was scary [to play with Shane] because he was really good.”

Shane said: "It’s an amazing set up - to see the old and new you can see the big difference it is for the children and the more opportunities they have to come on in sport and excel at it.

"When I was young I never had those facilities for me - two years after I left they built a big sports hall at my school.

“I go back home now and you see the difference it makes to the kids.”

Shane, who starts back training on Monday before flying out to Austria for pre-season training the next day, said he had emerged from the five-a-side unscathed.

“It’s been a couple of weeks since I kicked a football so five-a-side was a bit testing you know, legs everywhere and toes getting stood on and stuff, but it was good fun.”

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “It gives us a proper game of badminton, five-a-side football, basketball, volleyball, a full range of sports in a facility that is fit for purpose.”

28

Sourced from The Observer

Manchester United to improve offer for Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin

Manchester United are poised to make a second bid for Morgan Schneiderlin after Southampton rejected an opening offer of around £20m for the midfielder.

Louis van Gaal is keen to add the Frenchman to his squad before the club fly out for the summer tour of the United States on 13 July. That leaves United with 10 days to complete the deal before landing in Seattle to start the four-game trip, and they are encouraged by Schneiderlin being keen to join as soon as possible.

Van Gaal is determined to avoid another poor start to the season, after last term’s yield of only 13 points from the opening 10 matches, and also has a Champions League final qualification knockout round to negotiate to enter the group stage, to be played over two legs in mid-August, the first leg of which is after two league games.

Van Gaal has been told by Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, that United must be serious challengers again next season. To meet this demand the Dutchman wants to strengthen the squad with at least one midfielder, a right-back and a striker, should Robin van Persie depart as is expected.

So far only Memphis Depay has been added in the current window and with the campaign starting on 8 August, Van Gaal is conscious time is beginning to press if he is to have a fully strengthened and settled squad for then.

The opening fixture with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford is just over a week after United return from the US.

Although Southampton hope to sell Schneiderlin for around £30m, United believe they can acquire the 25-year-old for a fee of closer to £25m. If the south coast club continue to resist, Schneiderlin could consider direct action.

Last summer he tweeted his outrage when Southampton refused to sell him to any interested parties, halting a move to Tottenham. The player, who can operate in a holding role or as a more dynamic midfielder, admitted considering going on strike.

After the Dutchman declined to sign Nathaniel Clyne despite United being his first-choice – the England international has since signed for Liverpool – Van Gaal has revived his interest in Seamus Coleman, the Everton right-back. Van Gaal had hoped to land the 26-year-old in the winter window but the deal did not happen then.

29

Sourced from Squawka

Reports: Lazio would sell Man Utd target Lucas Biglia for €50m

Manchester United could sign Lazio’s Lucas Biglia this summer but only if they pay €50 million (£35.5m) as the Italian club open talks with the midfielder over a new deal, according to the Daily Express.

The Argentina international moved to the Italian capital in the summer of 2013 and he was instrumental last season as the club secured a top four finish in Serie A – resulting in Champions League football next term.

The 29-year-old’s good performances have seen him attract the interest of United and although he signed a five-year deal when he joined Lazio, the aforementioned report says that talks have begun over a new contract.

The report, which quotes Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, goes on to say that Lazio would be prepared to sell but only if United meet their asking price of €50 million (£35.5m).

Given that Biglia is 29, it is more or less guaranteed that United will not be paying this because it is just not worth it.

Manager Louis van Gaal is on the look out for a midfielder who could help ease the burden on Michael Carrick and the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have been linked (via talkSPORT).

Both are arguably better than Biglia and would certainly be cheaper so this deal is unlikely unless Lazio lower their asking price.

30

Sourced from HITC

Tottenham transfer news: Levy determined to be highest bidder for Alderweireld; Dembele set for talks

A select round-up of the latest news relating to Tottenham Hotspur…

According to a report from the Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur have been boosted in their alleged pursuit of Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld, with the Spanish club cancelling their agreement to sell the player to Southampton for a set fee.

That agreement was put in place when the Belgian international signed on loan at St Mary’s last season, but it is being reported that Atletico have now ensured they can do business with the highest bidder.

Alderweireld had a great season for Southampton last season and he would be a wonderful permanent signing for either Ronald Koeman’s side or Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

The Mirror claims the news means Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is determined to be the highest bidder as he looks to considerably strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign.

In other news, midfielder Mousa Dembele has told the London Evening Standard that he will talk about his Tottenham future after his holiday.

The Tottenham midfielder did not play as much as he would have hoped last season and his future at the club seems unclear.

But he said, “After the holidays, I’ll talk to the boss of my future at Spurs.”

The report claims that even though Tottenham appear likely to miss out on Morgan Schneiderlin, Pochettino is still keen to sign another midfielder this summer.

Do you think Alderweireld should be Tottenham’s key target this summer?

31

Sourced from Zap Sportz

The Gossip (2): Falcao pay cut at Chelsea! | ZapSportz

ONE Colombian IN, another Colombian OUT… Thats the big transfer news at Stamford Bridge this fine Saturday morning.

And Zapsportz.com was really tempted to start a charity campaign to raise money for Radamel Falcao when it was reported that he has had to take a pay cut …from £265,000-a-week to just £130,000-a-week, although it rises to £180,000-a-week if he manages to score some goals – for a change – in the Premier League. How will the poor dear get by?

It just shows that austerity bites even in the richest league in the world…

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao has taken a pay cut from £265,000-a-week to between £130,000 and £180,000-a-week to join Chelsea on loan from Monaco.

(Times) 10/10 Well, its tough times in the Falcao household, time to tighten their belts, and if he loses a few pounds around that belt he might start scoring again.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told agent Jorge Mendes to find a new club for Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado.

(Daily Express) 8/10 Jose has told his agent to sound out clubs and then he will see if there is an offer worthwhile – but the way he played at the club after signing last season, there won’t be many takers in the Premier League thats for sure. That will mean taking a big hit on the price. Outcome: he’ll stay to see if he can improve.

Atletico Madrid have cancelled an agreement they had to sell centre-back Toby Alderweireld to Southampton for £6.8m in a move which helps Tottenham’s hopes of signing him.

(Daily Mirror) 9/10 He has been Spurs primary target and, if true, Saints will be livid.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has turned down a move to Turkish club Besiktas.

(Talksport) 8/10 He’s a good judge, but if a move to Italy falls through then he might think again, possibilities of staying at Old Trafford are diminishing.

Watford have had a £10m joint bid for Tottenham midfielders Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli accepted.

(Daily Mail) 3/10 Yes, Watford may have made the offer, but the players will hold out for a much bigger club.

Manchester City have beaten Chelsea and a number of other clubs to the signing of 18-year-old striker Enes Unal from Bursaspor.

(Manchester Evening News) 9/10 Virtually a done deal by all accounts.

Unal, who has one senior cap for Turkey and has scored 182 goals in 110 appearances for Bursaspor reserves, will cost Manchester City about £2m.

(Guardian) 9/10 Reasonable price for a club that easily afford it.

Belgium and Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele wants talks about his future with boss Mauricio Pochettino.

(Daily Mirror) 10/10 With Spurs buying a couple of new midfield players he faces even more time on the bench.

Sunderland have completed the £2m signing of Celtic right-back Adam Matthews from Celtic.

(Sunderland Echo) Sharp piece of business for the ex-Cardiff player if he adjusts to the Premier League.

Hull boss Steve Bruce wants to sign striker James Wilson on loan from his former club Manchester United.

(Manchester Evening News) 9/10 A loan move is best choice for Wilson.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he turned down “some nice opportunities around Europe” in order to sign for Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy.

(Daily Star) 10/10 Gerrard prefers to put on his flip-flops over in California.

32

Sourced from The Ugly Inside

Alderweireld Future Could Be Decided In The Next Week - Southampton News

Alderweireld Future Could Be Decided In The Next Week

The press have been rehashing old stories for the past few weeks in a bid to up the interest, but the reality is that a decision should be reached in the next week.

Athletico Madrid return for pre season on Wednesday and that is expected to be the day the issue really gets dealt with, so far the Spanish club have been content to sit back and stir things up in the media in order to up the price, that is of course after they were trying to us the player as bait to persuade Chelsea to part with Luis.

But it is now starting to come to the end and it looks like a straight fight between Saints and Spurs, both have the spending power although Spurs might not have as much as they would have you believe and would be blowing a lot of their budget if the price goes up too high, with a new stadium to build and income severely reduced whilst they reside at Milton Keynes, they are not going to be too flash with the cash.

Their trump, or so they hope is that they have Jan Vertonghen, Alderweireld’s international tea mate and certainly they have not been shy to use him to tempt Toby.

They also have Paul Mitchell ex head of recruitment at St Mary’s who would know Alderweireld well.

Saints will hope that the fact that Toby himself enjoyed his time at Saints will count for something, certainly at the end of the season he was saying the right things about wanting to come back.

Ultimately though it will come down to money, which club comes up with the highest bid and which one can tempt the player with the highest wages.

Perhaps that will be Saints, however if they lose out they cn perhaps have the satisfaction of knowing that Spurs may have overstretched themselves and that could impact on their season.

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33

Sourced from Squawka

Burt: Schneiderlin is the “easiest” deal for Man United to complete

Telegraph journalist Jason Burt believes that Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is the “easiest” deal for Man United to complete in midfield this summer.

Furthermore, the newspaper’s football correspondent also revealed signing a player of Schneiderlin’s ilk remains the ‘priority’ for boss Louis van Gaal.

Schneiderlin, 25, has been linked heavily with a move to Old Trafford in the last week. On Monday, the Telegraph reported that the transfer was expected to be sealed by the end of this week, with the player traveling up to Manchester to complete his medical.

Whilst Goal on the same day reported that the France powerhouse was to sign a four-year deal worth £100,000-a-week at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile later in the week, the transfer seemed even more likely, with Andy Mitten in the Daily Echo reporting that Southampton expect Schneiderlin to join Man United.

But Sky Sports have claimed that Man United haven’t been in contact for the midfielder in the past week or so, following their initial approach.

But Sky Sports also reported that Southampton want £25 million for Schneiderlin, perhaps explaining why Burt believes that bringing him to Old Trafford would be easier than Bastian Schweinsteiger, who appears to be happy at Bayern, as per ESPN FC.

Meanwhile, Schneiderlin had an excellent 2014/15 campaign with the Saints. The midfield powerhouse won 79 tackles and had a tackle success rate of 47%. The 25-year-old was the third most successful tackler in the Premier League last season.

While on the ball, the Frenchman was elegant, with Schneiderlin completing 89% of his passes and creating 20 chances.

Morgan Schneiderlin didn’t make a single defensive error during the 2014/15 Premier League campaign.

34

Sourced from Sportsvibe

Manchester United Closing In On Deal For World-Class Midfielder According To Club Legend

The French international has long been linked with a move away from the St Mary’s outfit with north-London arch rivals Arsenal and Spurs believed to be in pole position to secure the central midfielder.

However, according to the latest reports at the Metro the Old Trafford club are now leading the race to secure the star, according to former defender and England legend Rio Ferdinand.

“£20-something million, it looks like it’s going to be done,’ he said on his YouTube channel.

‘He’s a player who could add something to United, a bit of steel, can pass the ball and play it through the lines from back to front.

‘I think he’s a good player, a good addition to the squad, especially if someone like [Michael] Carrick, who is so influential for United, gets injured.

‘I think this guy can step in and help buffer that. I think he’s a very good, talented player.’

The Saints Dutch boss Ronald Koeman is believed to be keen to keep hold of the player, but is expected that he will allow him to leave if the club receive the right offer believed to be in the region of £25million.

United are also believed to be using Real Madrid’s desire to land goalkeeper David de Gea as a way of leveraging a move for legendary defender Sergio Ramos.

35

Sourced from Sports Mole

Transfer Talk 8am Update: Mitrovic, Schneiderlin, Ogbonna

As clubs make preparations for the upcoming season, Sports Mole takes a look at the latest news and speculation from around the footballing world.

Tottenham Hostpur ready to beat Chelsea to Aleksandar Mitrovic?

Aleksandar Mitrovic is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports. Read more.

Rio Ferdinand backs ‘steely’ Morgan Schneiderlin pursuit

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says that signing Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin would provide the Red Devils with a certain steel in midfield. Read more.

West Ham United closing in on Angelo Ogbonna?

Italian international Angelo Ogbonna could join Juventus in the coming days, according to newspaper reports. Read more.

Liverpool’s Ian Ayre: ‘We can still attract top-quality players’

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre insists that the club can continue to spend big money on top-quality players with a “smart and sustainable” transfer model. Read more.

Robbie Fowler desperate for Christian Benteke signing

Robbie Fowler admits that he is desperate to see Aston Villa hitman join goal-shy Liverpool. Read more.

Andres Iniesta wants Paul Pogba, Arda Turan signings

Andres Iniesta insists that he would have no qualms over seeing fellow midfielders Paul Pogba and Arda Turan arrive at Barcelona. Read more.

‘Underrated’ Mousa Dembele admits Tottenham Hotspur frustrations

Mousa Dembele admits his Spurs frustrations after revealing that he feels like an ‘underrated’ member of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. Read more.

Real Madrid lead chase for Fernando Llorente?

Fernando Llorente is being lined up for a return to Spain with Real Madrid, according to reports. Read more.

Galatasaray confirm Lukas Podolski talks

Galatasaray reveal that Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski will undergo a medical shortly ahead of joining the Turkish giants. Read more.

Notts County snap up Mawouna Amevor

Former Go Ahead Eagles defender Mawouna Amevor signs for League Two outfit Notts County. Read more.

Sunderland sign Celtic’s Adam Matthews

Welsh international right-back Adam Matthews joins Sunderland from Celtic for £2m. Read more.

Chelsea favourites for Augsburg’s Baba Rahman?

Ghana international Baba Rahman is ready to seal a move from Augsburg to Chelsea, according to reports. Read more.

Coventry City chase Dominic Samuel loan deal?

Reading’s England Under-19 striker Dominic Samuel could join Coventry City on loan, according to reports. Read more.

Wigan Athletic complete move for Max Power

Max Power swaps Tranmere Rovers for Wigan Athletic as he seals a deal to join Gary Caldwell’s side. Read more.

Chris Maguire set for Sheffield Wednesday exit?

Scottish international Chris Maguire is searching for a new club after turning down the offer of a contract extension at Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports. Read more.

Cambuur snap up Roma’s Valmir Berisha

Sweden Under-19 international Valmir Berisha completes his move from Roma to Cambuur. Read more.

Rotherham United bring in former Manchester United man Tom Thorpe

Rotherham United complete their second signing of the day by adding former Manchester United man Tom Thorpe. Read more.

Daniel Powell extends MK Dons contract, Danny Green released

Daniel Powell signs a new two-year contract with MK Dons, while Danny Green is released by the Championship club. Read more.

36

Sourced from Inside Spanish Football

Atletico Madrid cancel Alderweireld transfer agreement with Southampton amid Tottenham interest

Atletico Madrid have reportedly cancelled Southampton’s option to purchase clause for Toby Alderweireld as they anticipate a big money offer from Tottenham Hotspur.

According to the Mirror, Atletico Madrid and Southampton had agreed to a £6.8 million purchase option should the English Premier League side chose to sign the Belgian international following season-long loan spell at St. Mary’s.

However, as part of the deal, Atletico Madrid had an option to pay Southampton a fee of £1.5 million should they feel they could earn more from the transfer of the 26-year-old defender.

Atletico are believed to have paid Southampton the fee to cancel the purchase option as they anticipate a bidding war between the two English clubs, with Spurs reportedly preparing to trump whatever price Ronald Koeman’s side are willing to make with an offer that could be upwards of £11 million.

Alderweireld has made no secret of his desire to remain in England and has previously expressed interest in signing with either club.

Alderweireld was one of Koeman’s highest performers last season, making 26 appearances, all as a starter.

37

Sourced from HITC

Report: West Ham interested in Southampton’s Graziano Pelle

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer.

West Ham United are interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer, according to Gianlucadimarzio.com.

It has been reported by the Italian news outlet that the Hammers are pondering making a move for the Italy international striker after finding it tough to recruit Mattia Destro of AS Roma.

Would Graziano Pelle be a good signing for West Ham United?

Pelle enjoyed a strong debut season in the Premier League with Southampton in 2014-15, playing an important role in the Saints finishing as high as seventh in the league table.

The former Feyenoord striker scored 12 goals and created 42 chances in 38 Premier League appearances last season.

The Italian had a pass accuracy of 65% and a shot accuracy of 38%, and won 170 headers, seven dribbles and 10 tackles.

SEE ALSO: Diafra Sakho highlights importance of two West Ham teammates

However, Pelle has had just one good season in the Premier League, and he was inconsistent as well.

Moreover, the striker will be 30 later this month, and it will not be a wise long-term investment for West Ham to sign Pelle this summer.

Should West Ham United make a move for Graziano Pelle this summer?

38

Sourced from The World Game

Adelaide signs former Chelsea and Southampton starlet Mells

Former Chelsea and Southampton youth player George Mells has signed with Adelaide United for the 2015-2016 A-League campaign, with the option to extend for a further season.

Mells, 18, left Australia at the age of 12 to sign for Chelsea’s youth team and later moved to fellow English Premier League outfit, Southampton, when he was 14.

The attacking midfielder now returns to Australia in search of game time.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to finally play some senior football and the club have a great philosophy especially with the Spanish influence through the coaching staff,” Mells said.

“When I spoke to (coach) Josep (Gombau) it was clear that he promotes a very Spanish-like style, which is the type of game that suits me and it was one of the main reasons why I chose to come to Adelaide.

“It’s a very strong team and I’m honoured that the club has given me a place in the team for this season and I’m looking forward to having another successful season like they did last season.

“I want to make as many appearances as I can in the first-team and I want to have a big impact on the squad.

"Now is the right time for me to start stepping into senior football and I feel Adelaide is the best place for me to do that.”

During his time overseas, Mells earned himself national youth team call-ups from both Australia and Greece, and represented Australia U-17, as well as Greece U-17 in UEFA European championship qualifiers.

39

Sourced from HITC

Report: Atletico cancel Alderweireld agreement with Southampton, Spurs interest continues

It’s complicated… But both the Saints and Tottenham Hotspur can still sign the defender.

Tottenham have received a ‘huge boost’ in their bid to sign Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld, according to the Daily Mirror.

Indeed, Atletico are reported to have had an agreement in place with Southampton over the 26-year-old, whereby the St Mary’s outfit could land the Belgian for £6.8 million once his loan spell with the Premier League side had ended.

The Mirror, however, now suggest that the La Liga club have cancelled that agreement, paying Southampton £1.5m in the process.

But that small fee could land them a much larger profit overall as the South Coast side will now have to battle it out with Tottenham for who can offer the greatest amount.

The idea now is said to be a simple auction between Southampton, Tottenham and whoever else may be interested in the talented 26-year-old.

So where does that leave Spurs with Daniel Levy as chairman?

SEE ALSO: Photos: 19-year-old Spurs signing’s first pictures training as a Tottenham player

The Tottenham supremo is a famed negotiator but has also missed out on targets in the past due to an unwillingness to pay over the odds. Southampton, meanwhile, have funds after selling Nathaniel Clyne and have also freed up wages from releasing Dani Osvaldo.

At this point, though, both clubs appear to be on an equal footing. No one has a distinct advantage.

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Sourced from Daily and Sunday Express

Future of Chelsea and Tottenham target to be resolved next week

Southampton are hoping to have Toby Alderweireld’s future resolved next week

And after some stunning performances for the south coast side last term, the Belgium international has caught the eye of the Premier League big-guns.

Alderweireld spent last season on loan at St Mary’s from Atletico Madrid.

But Southampton are confident they will beat Chelsea and Tottenham to the 26-year-old’s signature.

Ronald Koeman’s side possess an option to buy Alderweireld for £6.8m, however, Atletico have the ability to cancel that sell him on elsewhere at a cost of £1.5m to Southampton.

However, according to the Daily Echo Atletico are now understood to be willing to sell, and a decision is expected soon with the club due to return to pre-season training on Wednesday.