OptiNews - Friday 11 to Thursday 17 August 2017

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:ticket:

Tickets for #SaintsFC’s clash with #WWFC in the #CarabaoCup are now on sale to Official Members: http://sfcne.ws/Wolves230817

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Burnley keen on Southampton man as alternative to Chris Wood | Burnley are interested in signing Southampton striker Shane Long, according to the printed edition of The Mirror … 15-08-2017 |

Older content…

| Five reasons why Saints should sign Wimmer2 days ago |
| Hoedt or Wimmer: Who would you prefer?2 days ago |
| Goa Family complete £210m takeover of Southampton FC2 days ago |
| CONFIRMED: Southampton sign Rose2 days ago |
| Southampton 0-0 Swansea: Five who impressed2 days ago |
| Southampton make €17m offer for Dutch defender2 days ago |
| Southampton target Luciano Vietto in talks with Valencia2 days ago |
| Manager review: Swansea (H)2 days ago |
| Tottenham name their price for Southampton target Kevin Wimmer2 days ago |

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/08/2017 12:13:10

| | Chelsea, Man City 'favourites for £70m Van Dijk’SPORTSMOLE |
| | Southampton Want How Much for Dutch Star?VITALFOOTBALL |
| | Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Diego Costa and Virgil van DijkBLEACHERREPORT |
| | ‘The one player I’d love at Southampton’ … Saints fans jealous as PL rivals close on forwardFOOTBALLFANCAST |
| | Chelsea And Manchester City Now Favourites As Saints Stand Firm ! - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
|

| Chinese Investors Take 80% Stake in Southampton FCSBNATIONTHELIVERPOOLOFFSIDE |

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/08/2017 12:23:33

| | Liverpool suffer major transfer frustration, blocked in move for £50m No.1 targetCAUGHTOFFSIDE |
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| Forever Saints: The humble beginnings of Southampton FCBIGISSUE |
| | Chelsea & City to slug it out over £70m deal for Liverpool targetTEAMTALK |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

We put in a shift and got our reward, says Afolabi

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The 17-year-old, who netted twice in the 4-0 victory at St Mary’s, was delighted to be able to open the new season on such good terms.

“We are all buzzing after that result,” he started.

“It was a great performance from everyone. We put in a shift right from the beginning tonight and got the reward for it.

“Personally, I was really pleased to also get two goals. It was a good way to boost my confidence and start the season.”

Afolabi was twice assisted by Tyreke Johnson in the win over Reading, and the striker was full of praise for his former Under-18s team mate.

“I know where he likes to put the ball so I always try to make sure I can get myself there,” he continued.

“I played a lot with him last year in the Under-18s and we have done a lot of crossing and finishing drills together.

“He played really well tonight and put in a good shift down the left wing. I was happy for him to get on the score sheet too – he really deserved his goal.”

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Sourced from Premier League - Official Site article

Afolabi scores twice in Southampton victory

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Jonathan Afolabi scored a goal in each half as Southampton beat Reading 4-0 in their Premier League 2 Division 2 opener at St Mary’s Stadium.

A strong Saints team, including Alex McCarthy, Matt Targett and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, took the lead in the 15th minute through Tyreke Johnson, who then set up Afolabi for the second.

Reading captain Gabriel Osho headed into his own net to put them 3-0 down and then Johnson once again made an opportunity for Afolabi, who volleyed in the fourth.

Reading host Blackburn Rovers at their training ground on Friday lunchtime while Southampton travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Telford on Monday night.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/08/2017 13:24:03

| | Liverpool drop down the pecking order in the race for van DijkCALCIOMERCATOCOM |
| | 10 current Premier League players whose transfer fees now seem incredibleFOURFOURTWO |
| | Saints boss’s VVD comments will interest Liverpool fans…EMPIREOFTHEKOP |
| | Morning Editorial: Southampton Can Look Forward To The Future Under Jisheng GaoUMAXIT |
| | Klopp Blow: Chelsea Favourites Ahead Of Liverpool To Sign £70m Star | Football Talk | Premier League NewsFOOTBALLTALK |

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The Ugly Inside News for Southampton

New content from (- The Ugly Inside News for Southampton)

| Chelsea Interested In Cedric Soares | Chelsea look set to take over from Liverpool in making St Mary’s their footballing supermarket of choice with news … 15-08-2017 |

Older content…

| Chelsea And Manchester City Now Favourites As Saints Stand Firm !13 hours ago |
| Dear Les, for my birthday I would like…13 hours ago |
| The Ugly Inside TV ! Chinese Takeover Reaction2 days ago |
| Kevin Davies Looks At Saints Chances For The Season2 days ago |
| Saints Put In Bid For Lazio Defender2 days ago |
| Saints Confirm Takeover2 days ago |
| West Ham Game Approaching A Sell Out2 days ago |
| Kevin Davies Talks Exlusively About His Time At Saints2 days ago |
| Chelsea Tipped To Enter The Fray For Van Dijk !2 days ago |
| Saints V Swansea City The Verdict2 days ago |

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/08/2017 14:24:11

| | THESACKRACE |
| | Chelsea’s pursuit of Van Dijk takes fresh twist after Saints ownership dealFOOTBALLLONDON |
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| Chinese investor Gao Jisheng buys controlling stake in SouthamptonIBTIMES |
| | Southampton Refuse to Sell Van Dijk to LiverpoolSBNATIONTHELIVERPOOLOFFSIDE |

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Premier League clubs want transfer window shortened

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Premier League clubs are pushing for the transfer window to be shut before the start of the season, according to reports.

National newspapers say the issue is set to be discussed at a shareholders’ meeting in September with a majority of clubs in favour of shortening the window, which this year closes on August 31.

The move comes amid uncertainty over the future of a number of players, including Saints’ Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho, Everton’s Ross Barkley and Swansea striker Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp appeared to lend his support to the idea at a press conference ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League match in Hoffenheim.

Klopp said: “It would have helped us this year (if the window had shut early). It makes sense that when the season is starting, planning for the team is over.”

His Swansea counterpart Paul Clement, who faces losing Sigurdsson to Everton, has also indicated that Premier League bosses broadly back the change.

"At our managers’ meeting at the Premier League last week, we spoke about it,’ Clement said over the weekend.

“The majority of clubs are in favour but maybe all have to be for it to go through. It could happen next year.”

Officials at the Premier League were not immediately available to comment on the reports.

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Joleon Lescott supports new summer transfer window plans

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Joleon Lescott believes it would “make great sense” if Premier League clubs were prevented from buying new players during the summer transfer window, once the new season had kicked-off.

Premier League teams are expected to vote on proposed changes to the rules which currently govern the summer window.

As things stand, all clubs can buy and sell players until the deadline passes at midnight on August 31.

However, it has now been suggested this should be changed so that top tier clubs can no longer purchase new players after the start of the new campaign.

They will still be able to sell players, and there would be no rule changes regarding the transfer window in January.

For this to happen, 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs would need to vote in favour of the changes and it is believed most teams support the new proposal.

Appearing on Sky Sports News on Tuesday, former Everton and Manchester City centre-back Lescott said: "It would make sense.

"It would give teams more chance to get organised before the start of the season.

“Most managers want their squads in place before the first game. It can be disruptive otherwise. Cutting that out would be good.”

Lescott remembers how his transfer in August 2009 from Goodison Park to the Etihad Stadium created massive problems for the Toffees.

The 34-year-old switched from Merseyside to Manchester 10 days after the new season began and Lescott added: "I wanted it sorted as soon as possible.

“David Moyes (Everton manager) was furious but they managed to bring in Sylvain Distin in time.”

Meanwhile, Lescott thinks Manchester United will challenge for the title this season and be City’s biggest rivals.

He thinks the summer signings of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic could be crucial for United in their battle to win their first league title in five years.

“There are quite a few opinions on him, and whether he’s pleasing on the eye but he’s very effective,” Lescott added.

"He’s big, strong and good technically, and is probably underestimated. When United are defending against the better teams he can stretch the game.

“I was surprised to see Chelsea let Matic go, especially to a rival like United. I think United have probably done the best business and I’m sure he’ll [Matic] remain consistent throughout the season.”

As for who will end the season as champions, Lescott said: “My heart says City but if it is going to be anyone it could be United.”

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

West Ham and Watford hospitality bundle available

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Club Southampton have released bundle packages to help you enjoy Saints’ opening games of the season in style.

The team’s campaign continues when they welcome West Ham and Watford to St Mary’s in the next two home Premier League fixtures, and you can enjoy hospitality with a two-match Club Southampton bundle from just £130 + VAT.

Hurry, though, as catering deadlines for the President’s Lounge and our Executive Boxes fast approaching.

Packages available are as follows…

Saints Bar

Two-match bundle: £130 + VAT

President’s Lounge

Two-match bundle: £210 + VAT

Executive Box (Club Package)

Two-match bundle: £280 + VAT

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, please visit our hospitality enquiry form here or call on 02380 727768.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

#OnThisDay in 1999, #SaintsFC produced a superb performance as they beat #NUFC 4-2 at The Dell:

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 6

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/08/2017 15:24:21

| | FANTASYLEAGUE |
| | COMPETITION: Win tickets to see Posh play SouthamptonPETERBOROUGHNOW |
| | TWOHUNDREDPERCENT |
| | Burnley keen on Shane LongREADSOUTHAMPTON |
|

| Virgil van Dijk more likely to join Chelsea than LiverpoolOFFTHEPOST |
| | Report: Southampton’s Shane Long wanted by BurnleyHEREISTHECITY |

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Sourced from London Evening Standard article

Southampton vs West Ham: Premier League prediction and preview

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Slaven Bilic must pick his West Ham squad up from a thrashing at the hands of Manchester United as they look to kickstart their Premier League season at Southampton.

Romelu Lukaku starred on his United as Mourinho’s men beat West Ham 4-0 on the opening day of their 2017-18 campaign.

The heavy defeat consigned the Hammers to the bottom of the table, with summer signings Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart unable to stem the tide at Old Trafford.

But with two more away fixtures before they play at the London Stadium again following the World Athletics Championships, the Hammers must improve on the road as they face Manuel Pellegrino’s Saints at St Mary’s on Saturday.

Southampton host West Ham at St Mary’s on Saturday, August 19, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30 BST.

The game will not be televised live in the UK. Alternatively, you can follow live goal updates with Standard Sport’s blog from 2pm.

Can’t see the blog? Click here for the desktop version.

Bilic expects Michail Antonio to be back from his hamstring problem in time for Saturday’s match, but the south coast trip may come too soon for Manuel Lanzini (knee), Cheikhou Kouyate (knee) and Andy Carroll (hip).

Arthur Masuaku is almost certain to be dropped following a poor performance at Old Trafford, with fans heavily criticising the defender after TV cameras caught him laughing moments before Lukaku beat him in the air to head in United’s key second goal of the afternoon.

That should mean Aaron Cresswell starts at left-back after getting some minutes towards the end of the 4-0 defeat in Manchester, with the return of Antonio offering Bilic the chance to shore up his defence with a three-man back line and his first-choice wing-backs.

Click here to place a bet. Odds correct as of August 15 at 1pm.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/08/2017 16:24:30

| | City Transfer Weekly: Alexis Sanchez chase (finally) heats up, Van Dijk link rekindled, Mangala to Inter? – City WatchCITYWATCH |
| | Chelsea Interested In Cedric Soares - Southampton NewsTHEUGLYINSIDE |
| | Chelsea preparing £50 million offer for Virgil van DijkTHEHARDTACKLE |
| | Chelsea make opening bid for Soares?SPORTSMOLE |
| | Transfer talk: Chelsea table bid for £13.6m-rated international - reportTHISISFUTBOLCOM |

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Southampton more unlikely to sell Virgil van Dijk after Chinese takeover - Sky reporter

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Liverpool transfer news: Jeremy Langdon says a sale for Van Dijk is unlikely

The Dutch defender wants to move to Anfield before the end of the transfer window but striking a deal is proving tricky.

And things could be set to get harder after Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng bought an 80 per cent stake in Southampton for £210m yesterday.

Chelsea are also keen on Van Dijk, with Antonio Conte desperate add to his squad.

Sky Sports News reporter Jeremy Langdon says the injection of new cash in the club makes a move for the Dutchman unlikely.

“They’re a fine Premier League club, now with a majority Chinese holding,” Langdon said.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

The date has been set for #SaintsFC, @saintsdsa and @SFC_Foundation’s annual Accessibility Open Day at St Mary’s: http://sfcne.ws/SDSAOpen

Retweets: 1

Favourites: 8

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

Premier League clubs ranked by their greatest ever European achievement – from worst to first

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Liverpool are aiming to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2014, and you can hear their trip to Hoffenheim live on talkSPORT.

The Reds have an illustrious history in European competition, but how does it compare to that of their Premier League rivals?

Find out, in the gallery above.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 15/08/2017 17:24:39

| | THEPOLITICALECONOMYOFFOOTBALL |
| | Southampton interest “not really concrete” says player, but lower price could change thatSPORTWITNESS |
| | Transfer gossip: Corriere dello Sport say Chelsea have made offer for SoaresWESTLONDONSPORT |
| | ALLNIGERIASOCCER |
| | West Ham transfer news: Hammers want Carvalho to face SouthamptonFOOTBALLINSIDER |

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