The Automatic Saints News Thread

Southampton Football Club
121

Sourced from Just Arsenal News (Weblog)

Man United signing could leave door open for Arsenal to sign Schneiderlin | Just Arsenal News

I don´t know what the rest of you Arsenal fans out there in cyber world think of it all, but I for one think that Arsenal ought to be pulling out all the stops to sign the France international defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton this summer.

There have been all sorts of different Arsenal transfer rumours about the talented Frenchman but for a while it looked like he would be heading to Old Trafford instead this summer. Whether that was his preference or whether Arsene Wenger had cooled his interest was not made clear but even if he had chosen United then I think we could still get him.

My hopes were raised on Wednesday when Sky Sports revealed that Southampton had heard nothing more from Manchester United after rejecting an opening offer 10 days before. And now another Sky Sports report has increased my hopes even more, and it shows the Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola talking about their midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and that he needs to make up his mind whether to stay or go.

“I have already said, read and heard a lot of things about Basti, but his future depends on him,” said Guardiola. “I think he will stay, but only he can decide. If he stays, that would be the perfect decision for me. He is a top player.”

Some in the football media have claimed that the German was the first choice of Louis van Gaal and Schneiderlin was just a back up. So there is a chance that United will sign the Bayern star and that will leave Arsenal as the only realistic option for Schneiderlin. Maybe Wenger could even get him on the cheap.

What do you think Gooners? Am I clutching at straws here?

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Sourced from Daily Star

Jay Rodriguez can’t wait to get playing again after horror injury

The fit again Southampton striker is expected to line up against Rasen Ballsport Leipzig next week, his first match for 15 months.

Rodriguez, 25, tore cruciate knee ligaments in April last year after scoring 17 goals to give himself a chance of making England’s World Cup sqaud.

But after returning to pre-season training he is desperate to make up for lost time.

123

Sourced from The Sports Bank.Net

Tottenham News: Holtby, Alderweireld, Llorente, Capoue

Time to talk Tottenham Hotspur news, notes and transfer rumors. We start with Lewis Holtby.

-(ESPN FC) Tottenham have confirmed that Lewis Holtby has agreed a permanent transfer to Hamburg.

Holtby, 24, joined Spurs in January 2013, but struggled to cement a starting role at White Hart Lane before joining Fulham on loan a year later.

-(Daily Mirror) Tottenham are stepping up their efforts to land Toby Alderweireld – but Southampton are confident of winning the tug-of-war for the Atletico Madrid defender who was on loan at St Mary’s last season.

-(Daily Express) Liverpool and Tottenham‘s pursuit of Juventus star Fernando Llorente could be overtaken by Real Madrid, whose new manager Rafa Benitez wants to sign the 30-year-old striker.

-(Squawka) Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Etienne Capoue will sign for ambitious Premier League new boys Watford tomorrow, according to Foot Mercato.

Capoue, 26, is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane having played just 12 games in the Premier League last season under Mauricio Pochettino.

Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.

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Sourced from Paisley Gates (Weblog)

DEFAULTNathaniel Clyne Will Do Well to Avoid Southampton Stigma at Anfield

125

Sourced from Squawka

Southampton move first for Chelsea and Spurs target Alderweireld

Southampton have reportedly acted first to try and beat Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld, per the Daily Express.

Alderweireld spent last season on loan with the Saints and he was very impressive as they had the second best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just 33 goals, behind only champions Chelsea.

He has been linked to Southampton, Chelsea and Spurs as all three look to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season.

The report suggests that Saints have moved first because they have initial refusal as part of the loan agreement from last season, and they now have to convince him to make a move.

Southampton could offer Alderweireld Europa League football, but they can’t compete with Chelsea’s offer of Champions League football as well as the wages that both London clubs are able offer.

It will be interesting to see whether or not Alderweireld chooses to stay with Ronald Koeman or if he wants to move on.

It’s highly unlikely that he will start at Chelsea given the partnership that John Terry and Gary Cahill have struck up, but he would almost certainly be first choice at Spurs.

This will be a real test of how far the South Coast club have come in the last 12 months.

126

Sourced from ESPN.co.uk

Tottenham battle Southampton for Toby Alderweireld sources

127

Sourced from HITC

Report: Southampton consider late bid for Idrissa Gueye despite holding Aston Villa negotiations

Southampton could steal in to sign Idrissa Gueye, according to reports.

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton are considering a move to hijack Aston Villa’s bid for Lille midfielder Idrissa Gueye - and the French side are hoping to spark a bidding war.

Gueye, 25, has impressed in France, proving himself to be an athletic, box-to-box midfielder for Lille, attracting plenty of interest in the process.

The Daily Mail report that Gueye has arrived in Birmingham to hold talks with Aston Villa over a £9m move to Villa Park, as manager Tim Sherwood looks to replace former loanee Tom Cleverley.

However, Villa could now face intense competition for Gueye’s signature, as the Daily Mail believe that Premier League rivals Southampton are now considering a last minute bid to hijack Gueye’s move to Villa - and with Lille looking for cash, they hope the two teams spark a bidding war for the player.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman could lose star midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin this summer, and Senegal international Gueye could be a prime target for the Dutchman.

If Southampton do make a late bid for Gueye, the midfielder will have a big decision to make over his future - but a move to the South Coast could be more appealing.

Koeman’s men will once again be pushing for the top six next season, whilst Villa will be hoping to push towards midtable after only narrowly avoiding relegation.

Factor in that the Saints will be in the Europa League and it becomes clear that Gueye may be better off joining Southampton than Villa - though Sherwood could certainly persuade him to join his side instead.

128

Sourced from Give Me Sport

Louis van Gaal wants THIS special player signed for Manchester United by July 13

Louis van Gaal is determined to wrap up a deal for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin before Manchester United fly to the United States for their pre-season tour on July 13.

This is according to the Manchester Evening News, who understand the Red Devils have now submitted their first official bid for the France international.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman revealed earlier this week that Manchester United have failed to submit a “serious bid” for Schneiderlin - but the situation has now changed.

Manchester United’s offer is understood to be in the region of £20 million; however, this has not been enough for Premier League giants to strike a deal with the south-coast club.

Southampton are prepared to hold out for their £25 million asking price, believing Manchester United will eventually raise their offer for the classy midfielder who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

It was reported by The Sun that Schneiderlin would undergo a medical with the Red Devils earlier this week, but a deal will only happen once Southampton give the green light.

It’s no secret that Koeman and Van Gaal do not see eye-to-eye due to a long-lasting feud between the two coaches - and there’s a chance their frosty relationship could prolong the negotiations.

But it’s in Schneiderlin’s best interests for the deal to be concluded as soon as possible - missing United’s pre-season tour would be far from ideal - while the money generated from his sale would allow Southampton to spend big money on a like-for-like replacement.

Manchester United take on Club America and San Jose Earthquakes - on July 17 and 21, respectively - before showpiece friendlies against Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

As United’s assistant manager Ryan Giggs told the club’s official website this week, the tour provides new signings with the invaluable opportunity to get to know their new teammates and learn precisely what Van Gaal and the rest of the coaching staff will expect of them throughout the season.

Schneiderlin is far more likely to be part of Manchester United’s starting line-up against Tottenham on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season if he signs before the tour than if he misses the deadline.

Manchester United’s fans in the States will also be keen to catch a glimpse of Schneiderlin, along with Dutch winger Memphis Depay, who will start training with the Red Devils for the first time next week following his £31 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven.

Manchester United fans: do you believe Morgan Schneiderlin will sign for Manchester United by July 13? Let us know by leaving a comment in the box below!

Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: http://gms.to/writeforgms

129

Sourced from The Ugly Inside

Saints New Home Kit Goes On Sale 9am Friday Morning - Southampton News

Saints New Home Kit Goes On Sale 9am Friday Morning

Saints fans finally have the chance to get their hands on the new home kit on Friday morning and season ticket holders can get a discount. Saints start selling the new Adidas home kit in their two megastars from 9am Friday July 3rd, with the St Mary’s Stadium tore closing at 5pm but the West Quay shop open till 8pm giving those at work or school plenty of time to get down there to make their purchase.

The shirt will retail at £50 for adults and £40 for juniors. Mini kits (shirts and shorts) are priced at £40.

Shorts are priced £25 and £22 for adults and youths respectively, with socks £10 in all sizes.

You’ll also be able to get your hands on Saints’ new home goalkeeping kit and training range

There’s also some good news for supporters located away from Southampton as, for the first time, select branches** of JD Sports – including at Gatwick Airport and on London’s Oxford Street – will be stocking Saints’ home kit.

**Newport (Isle of Wight), London Oxford Street, Gatwick Airport (South Terminal Departures), Eastleigh, Southampton West Quay Road, Southampton Above Bar

In my opinion £50 for a home shirt is a little steep and shirt prices have spiralled in recent years, however there is good news for Saints season ticket holders.

Fans who have secured their Season Ticket for the 2015/16 campaign simply need to present proof of purchase or show their 2014/15 season card when buying their new home shirt from one of the Saints megastars either at the stadium itself or West Quay.

The offer is open to all Season Ticket holders until close of business on Friday 31st July, and is subject to terms and conditions, so don’t complain to us if you have a problem.

Get two free £10 bets on Newcastle United v Southampton (or other matches) by opening a new account at William Hill. Place an initial bet of a minimum of £10 and William Hill will give you two £10 bets. You must enter the promotional code ‘‘F20’’ when signing up as a new customer.

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.

You need to login in order to post your comments

130

Sourced from The Eagles Element (Weblog)

Palace chasing Italian international

The Italian International was recently released by the Saints after returning from a series of loans out of the country.

Crystal Palace are rumoured to be interested in former Southampton striker and Italy international Dani Osvaldo.

Crystal Palace have set their sights on Italian Striker Dani Osvaldo. According to Shoot Magazine, Pardew has switched his attention to the former Southampton player after the Hampshire club terminated his contract.

Mauricio Pochettino, originally shelled out £15m to sign the prolific striker from Roma, after having previously worked with him at Espanyol, where he netted 22 goals in 47 goals.

Osvaldo suffered from a slow start at Southampton, despite scoring his first goal in a comfortable 2-0 against Palace. Towards the end of the year, the Argentinian born striker began to adjust to life in the Premier League, with goals against Aston Villa and a remarkable goal against Manchester City, where he belittled the City defence, before outrageously curling it into the top corner.

However, things turned sour very quickly for Osvaldo, who already had a reputation in Italy for being a loose cannon. He was firstly charged with violent conduct on the touchline during a match against Newcastle and then three weeks later was suspended by Southampton, after a training ground incident with José Fonte, effectively ending his career on the South Coast.

He soon returned to Italy, enjoying loan spells at Juventus, Inter Milan and then to Argentina, where he impressed at Boca Juniors, the latter of which, is reported to still be interested in making the move permanent.

Dani Osvaldo is clearly a wonderful talent and has demonstrated his tremendous ability in the past. Being available on a free transfer, this could transpire to be a fantastic signing for the Eagles but Pardew will face a Ballotelli-esque challenge if he wants to get the most out of him.

131

Sourced from FootballFanCast.com

Man United’s move for Arsenal-linked ace looks ‘done’ – ex-star

Manchester United are on the verge of sealing a deal for Morgan Schneiderlin, according to former Red Devil Rio Ferdinand who has claimed that the switch “looks like it’s going to be done”.

The Frenchman shone for Southampton last term, paying a regular role in Ronald Koeman’s midfield as the Saints secured Europa League qualification.

Recent reports have claimed that Arsenal have revived their long-term interest in Schneiderlin, but it has been suggested that United are leading the race for the deep-lying playmaker.

And Ferdinand has backed up these claims by revealing that he thinks the deal is almost “done”:

“£20-something million, it looks like it’s going to be done,” he is quoted by Metro.

“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.’

A switch to United could appeal to Schneiderlin, who has already revealed that he’s eager to play Champions League football – which Louis van Gaal can offer, albeit a potentially tricky qualification tie awaits after a fourth-place finish last season.

Should the midfielder leave he’ll be the second high-profile player to depart Southampton in recent times, with Nathaniel Clyne having joined Liverpool.

132

Sourced from 101 Great Goals

Man United’s £20m bid for Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin has been rejected [Telegraph]

Southampton have turned down a £20 million bid from Manchester United for France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, according to reports from the Daily Telegraph.

Southampton value the 25 year old at around £25million and Man United are yet to return with another offer.

It is understood that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a close eye on developments but have so far not made an offer for one of Southampton’s most coveted assets.

Morgan Schneiderlin is back in training with the Saints and has an understanding with the south coast side that he will be allowed to join a Champions League club should a suitable offer come in.

It is no secret that the Red Devils are looking to strengthen their side during the summer transfer window, with a midfield general one of their top priorities.

If a move for Morgan Schneiderlin does not materialise it is understood that Manchester United will turn their attentions to Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is rumoured to favour a move to Old Trafford.

133

Sourced from The Transfer Tavern

Manchester United set to beat Arsenal after submitting official £20m bid for Premier League ace

Manchester United fans here inside the Football Transfer Tavern feel this long transfer saga is finally coming to an end, with the Daily Star claiming that the Red Devils have tabled a £20 million bid for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

The Frenchman is well known here in the Transfer Tavern, with his name cropping up pretty much everyday – however, this long winded saga looks like it may come to an end very soon, with Manchester United now in pole position over Arsenal to sign the 25-year-old midfielder.

As our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern quips, the 5ft 11 midfielder has been sensational for the south coast club over the past few seasons, and it is really no surprise to see a club like Manchester United decide to invest in the France international.

A small group of United fans over by the pool table feel this would be an excellent addition to the squad, with them all agreeing that he is good enough to start week in week out for Louis van Gaal’s side next season!

Manchester United fans…… What do you make of this news? Would Schneiderlin be a good signing? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

134

Sourced from Old Trafford Faithful (Weblog)

4-3-3: Potential Man Utd XI including Ramos & Schneiderlin | Old Trafford Faithful

Manchester United obviously have huge summer transfer plans, as Louis van Gaal looks to mould the current squad into one that suits his style of play and famous philosophy. We’ve been linked with a whole host of names in the press, so lets have a look at a potential XI for next season.

This is done in the best case scenario, that means David de Gea will stay at the club and keep hold of that number one jersey.

In front of David is a much stronger back line, with Seamus Coleman coming in from Everton, and Sergio Ramos switching sunny Spain for Manchester. Those two new arrivals will join Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling.

In front of them is a much-changed midfield that contains both Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Ander Herrera retains his place in the side.

The front three is a frightening one, fronted by club captain Wayne Rooney. Angel di Maria has been in inspired form for Argentina, and if he can bring that back to United he’ll have a fantastic season. Big things are expected of Memphis Depay, and hopefully he can come in and start firing from the get-go.

Check out the XI here:

Don’t agree with this XI? Let us know yours in the comment box below.

Follow Old Trafford Faithful on Twitter for more Manchester United news.

135

Sourced from SportsPro Media

Southampton signs official forex partner - Sports Sponsorship news - Soccer Europe - SportsPro Media

Soccer club Southampton FC have announced that OctaFX is to act as their official forex partner.

The Jakarta, Indonesia-based forex broker has moved to expand its sponsorship portfolio in the UK after being granted a regulatory licence in the country, and identified Southampton as a growing global brand.

The deal was unvieled at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, and comes as a demonstration of how far the south coast club have come in recent seasons. As recently as 2011 they were playing in English soccer’s third tier.

Southampton’s chief executive Gareth Rogers commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with OctaFX, an award-winning and FCA-registered forex broker with clients in countries around the world. Both ourselves and OctaFX are growing rapidly on a global scale, and our shared values around hard work, dedication and aspiration stand us in excellent stead for a successful partnership.

“This is another positive development in our commercial strategy as we continue to grow and support all areas of the club.”

136

Sourced from Daily and Sunday Express

Tottenham Transfer News: Benteke deal close, stunning Suarez bid, £10m for Alderweireld

Spurs are expected to make an opening bid of £10million to secure the 26-year-old. However, the club will face a tough challenge by Chelsea and Southampton, where he spent last season on loan.

Tottenham have entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid star Mario Suarez, according to reports. Inside Spanish Football claim the Premier League side are keen to land the 28-year-old after offloading Paulinho this week. And they are prepared to outbid Serie A giants Inter Milan in order to secure his signature.

Tottenham look set to miss out on Christian Benteke who is reportedly close to agreeing terms with Liverpool. A source close to Liverpool told talkSPORT: "My understanding is Christian Benteke, who has been on their radar for some time, is very close indeed to signing for Liverpool. Spurs had thought to be readying a move for the Belgian, with Emmanuel Adebayor going the other way. However, the 24-year-old is said to prefer a switch to Merseyside.

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Sourced from West London Sport

‘Southampton or Swansea could have done well with him’ – Dutch football expert on Bees signing | West London Sport

Dutch football writer Michiel Jongsma believes Brentford are getting a Premier League-quality defender in new signing Andreas Bjelland.

The Bees broke their transfer record to land the 26-year-old Denmark international defender, for a fee believed to be three million euros (£2.1m).

Bjelland has spent the last three years playing in the Netherlands for FC Twente and Jongsma told West London Sport Brentford will be getting a commanding centre-half.

His key qualities

Jongsma: “He is a true leader in defence – he captained FC Twente last season but in a very composed and cool manner.

“He is strong in his duels, has good positioning and timing, as well as having the quality to pass out from the back. And on top of that, he also poses an aerial threat.

“He is not really fast or anything, but he gets by. All in all, he is a rare find in that he is quite good at almost anything.”

A top-flight acquisition

Jongsma: “I can imagine clubs like Southampton or Swansea could have done well with him.

“His ability to actually play a role in build-up play and his organisational qualities make him a fairly typical Eredivisie product that would fare well in a team that has the ambition to dominate an opponent.

“If FC Twente had their finances sorted, he would probably command a higher fee. But they are not financially healthy so will probably be happy with a three million euros return.

“It’s a smart signing, but given his age it’s difficult to determine how far he can progress. If he turns out to be a Premier League-level defender, and I think he can, he obviously is a bargain, but the tempo in England is higher so he does need to adjust to that a bit.”

A smart move for player and club

“For me it is a surprise that no bigger clubs have come in for him, or at least has not done enough to persuade him to join them.

“But he is Danish and will undoubtedly have followed the progress of FC Midtjylland so you can imagine him being familiar with the concept of building a club they have at Brentford. That might have been a trigger for him.

“With the ambition that Brentford have he could well be a Premier League player in 12 months anyway.”

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138

Sourced from talkSPORT

Liverpool transfer news: Lallana hails ‘massive’ Nathaniel Clyne signing

The £12million arrival of England right-back Nathaniel Clyne is a “great coup” for Liverpool, says Reds midfielder and former Southampton captain, Adam Lallana.

Clyne became the busy Merseyside outfit’s sixth summer signing on Wednesday, with the 24-year-old penning a ‘long-term’ contract at Anfield.

And his former skipper is certain the defender will be a big hit at Liverpool.

“It’s a massive signing for us,” Lallana told the club’s official website.

"To manage to persuade him to sign for Liverpool - as I’m sure there would have been other top clubs, and even European clubs interested in him - is a great coup for us.

"When Southampton signed him from Palace you could see he had potential.

"Since then, he’s developed and learnt the game - he’s turned from a kid into a man on the pitch.

"He’s as solid as they come for a right-back and getting forward, he’s got goals in his locker.

“In one versus one situations defensively, he’s the kind of full-back you just don’t want to come up against.”

Clyne made his England debut last November and is expected to be the replacement for Glen Johnson at both club and international level.

“Last season he probably had his best season at Southampton, got an England call up and he’s been a regular in the squad ever since,” added Lallana.

“I’ve not been surprised by his progress.”

139

Sourced from HITC

Southampton transfer round-up: Talks opened with Alderweireld; £20m United bid for Schneiderlin rejected

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

With the transfer window finally opening, pre-season preparations at St. Mary’s are in full swing.

Indeed, The Guardian reports that Southampton have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over a permanent move for central defender Toby Alderweireld.

Amid speculation that Tottenham Hotspur are looking to swoop in with a deal for the talented Belgian centre-back, Ronald Koeman’s side have been spurred into landing the 26-year-old’s signature.

Now, hoping to steal a march on other interested parties, the Saints have reportedly entered into negotiations with the Spanish side.

Alderweireld, who still has two years left on his Atletico contract, only made 12 La Liga appearances before being loaned to Southampton, where he recorded 26 Premier League outings.

Meanwhile, the Morgan Schneiderlin transfer saga looks set to continue, with various sources, including The Telegraph, reporting that Manchester United’s latest bid - believed to be £20 million - has been rejected.

SEE ALSO: Report: Southampton to hijack local rival’s move for £7.1m rated ex-Leeds star

The Red Devils made the offer last week and have yet to return with a bigger bid, with their opening gambit falling considerably short of the Saints’ £25 million asking-price; a valuation the club feel is realistic for a player of the Frenchman’s quality.

Previous reports in the Telegraph suggest that Koeman is pushing Manchester United to complete the signing of Schneiderlin before the end of the week as the Dutchman does not want to miss out on his first‑choice replacements for the midfielder.

Can Southampton prevent any more exits, while strengthening their ranks further?

140

Sourced from takefootball

Pochettino set to rival Southampton for defender | takefootball | … for those who take football too seriously

12 months after leaving them for Tottenham Hotspur, Mauricio Pochettino could upset Southampton again by beating them to Toby Alderweireld.

Pochettino quit the Saints for White Hart Lane last summer in a move which wasn’t received well at St Mary’s, particularly as it came at a time when they were also losing a number of their first team squad. Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren all left for Liverpool, whilst Callum Chambers jumped ship to sign for Arsenal and Luke Shaw went to Manchester United.

Little did Southampton fans realise at the time they would go on to enjoy a hugely-impressive 2014/15 season, when under the leadership of Ronald Koeman and armed with exciting talent such as Saido Mane, Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic, they finished seventh in the table – which is a place higher than Pochettino’s placing the year before and the highest in over a decade.

Alderweireld played his part in this success, as he featured 25 times during the Premier League campaign during a loan spell from Atletico Madrid. Although the South Coast club had the option to make this move permanent, the Spaniards also inserted a clause which would nullify this trigger for a compensation fee, which they have done in order to spark a bidding war.

And it has now been widely reported that Tottenham will for the signature of the Belgian international, who has already indicated a desire to link up with Jan Vertonghen in London. Pochettino is eager to add more quality to his starting XI as he makes a bid for a top-four finish next season, something which eluded him by one place and six points during his debut term in charge.

Speaking after his played the full match as Belgium’s beat France 4-3 in a friendly last month, Alderweireld, 26, told Sky Sports: “I will go back to Spain next week and we will talk. We will see what happens. I hope a decision will be made quickly, otherwise it will be all summer. Let’s see what comes up and I will make a decision. We will see what clubs come in.”