Sourced from Paisley Gates (Weblog)
DEFAULTCONFIRMED: Nathaniel Clyne Seals Anfield Transfer
Sourced from HITC
No reason Southampton can’t kick on next season, says Jay Rodriguez
The forward is also keen to remind fans what he can do after his lengthy injury lay-off.
Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez has told the club’s official website that there is no reason why they can’t kick on next season.
The Saints surprised everyone last term as they challenged towards the top end of the Premier League for the majority of the campaign, eventually qualifying for the Europa League.
That came despite them losing several first team stars during the summer, with the likes of Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Calum Chambers and Ricky Lambert all leaving the club.
Rodriguez, though, believes they are capable of remaining on an upward curve in 2015/16.
“Last season was great for the team and there’s no reason why we can’t kick on this year,” he said to saintsfc.com.
“Obviously we have the Europa League as well, which is something we can look forward to. But I think it will be a good season for us. We’ll work hard in pre-season to stand us in good stead for the campaign.”
The forward is naturally keen to be involved as much as possible next season, having missed the majority of the impressive campaign last year through injury.
He came back towards the end of the season, though, and says he is eager to get back on the pitch when the first pre-season games start, while he is also keen to remind the club’s supporters what he can do following his lengthy absence.
“Any game I’m more than excited to play,” he added.
“I’m very excited for the season. It’s something you just want to be part of. Obviously last year I missed out but I’m just looking forward now and hoping to improve on the year I had before that.”
It is certainly fair to say that Rodriguez will be like a new signing for Southampton next season, having missed so much of the last campaign.
SEE ALSO: Report: Southampton reject £20m offer for Manchester United-linked midfield talisman
Before his injury the forward was in fine form and being linked with big-money moves to a number of clubs, while a call up to England’s World Cup squad looked a certainty.
Ronald Koeman and fans alike will be hoping that he can find that kind of form again, especially with the added pressure of the Europa League to take into account next season.
Can Southampton improve on last season?
Sourced from Belfast Live
#ManUtd make official bid for Morgan Schneiderlin #mufc
Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Morgan Schneiderlin by submitting an official bid for the Southampton midfielder.
Louis van Gaal is determined to tie up a deal for the French international before the club’s pre-season tour to America later this month.
United’s opening bid is believed to be in the region of £20m - but it is understood that they are yet to reach an agreement for the 25-year-old.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman revealed this week that they were still to receive a ‘serious’ offer for their prize asset, despite Van Gaal’s interest.
The South Coast club value Schneiderlin at around £25m and are prepared to hold out for their asking price, reports the Manchester Evening News .
They showed their resolve last summer when blocking Tottenham’s attempts to lure the player to White Hart Lane.
Manchester United transfers: £50million bid for Thomas Muller and van Persie on his way
There is an acceptance that he will be allowed to leave St Mary’s during this transfer window - but the club’s hierarchy refuse to let him go in a cut price deal.
They are also aware of United’s determination to sign a top class holding midfielder and the £150m transfer budget Van Gaal has been handed to turn his squad into genuine title contenders.
United are understood to have held initial talks with Southampton two weeks ago when they outlined their interest.
Van Gaal’s summer business has gathered pace in recent weeks, with United tabling an offer of £28m for Real Madrid centre back Sergio Ramos, while Bastian Schweinsteiger is also a target.
Who should United sign this summer?
Sourced from Manchester Evening News
Manchester United transfers: Van Gaal lodges official bid for Schneiderlin
Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Morgan Schneiderlin by submitting an official bid for the Southampton midfielder.
Louis van Gaal is determined to tie up a deal for the French international before the club’s pre-season tour to America later this month.
United’s opening bid is believed to be in the region of £20m - but it is understood that they are yet to reach an agreement for the 25-year-old.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman revealed this week that they were still to receive a ‘serious’ offer for their prize asset, despite Van Gaal’s interest.
Van Gaal has firmed up his interest in Schneiderlin
The South Coast club value Schneiderlin at around £25m and are prepared to hold out for their asking price.
They showed their resolve last summer when blocking Tottenham’s attempts to lure the player to White Hart Lane.
Manchester United: How Schneiderlin forced Van Gaal to change his mind
There is an acceptance that he will be allowed to leave St Mary’s during this transfer window - but the club’s hierarchy refuse to let him go in a cut price deal.
They are also aware of United’s determination to sign a top class holding midfielder and the £150m transfer budget Van Gaal has been handed to turn his squad into genuine title contenders.
Schneiderlin was outstanding for Southampton last season
United are understood to have held initial talks with Southampton two weeks ago when they outlined their interest.
Van Gaal’s summer business has gathered pace in recent weeks, with United tabling an offer of £28m for Real Madrid centre back Sergio Ramos, while Bastian Schweinsteiger is also a target.
Who should United sign this summer?
Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site
SOUTHAMPTON FC | GALLERY: Hard work continues for Saints in pre-season
Sourced from World Soccer Talk
Southampton in Toby Alderweireld talks about permanent move
Southampton have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over a permanent move for central defender Toby Alderweireld.
Amid speculation that Tottenham are ready to hijack their attempts to land the 26-year-old Belgium international, Press Association Sport understands Southampton are hoping to steal a march on other interested parties having already entered into negotiations with the Spanish outfit.
Alderweireld, who joined Atletico from Dutch club Ajax in September 2013, spent last season on loan at St Mary’s and made 26 Barclays Premier League appearances, all of them starts, as the Saints finished in an impressive seventh place.
Manager Ronald Koeman is keen to retain his services, and while any deal may prove complicated, he is optimistic.
SEE MORE — Read all of the latest transfer news from the world of soccer.
Speaking earlier this week, Koeman said: “The player likes to stay, we like to keep the player but it’s a little difficulty at the moment with Atletico Madrid. I have a good hope he will stay for Southampton.”
The Saints prospered last season despite significant changes in their squad following the summer departures of Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers, and the manager will hope for less of a turnover this time around amid uncertainty over the futures of Alderweireld and midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.
Sourced from Anfield Road.com
Lallana: Nathaniel Clyne is a “massive signing” for Liverpool
New boy Nathaniel Clyne has been welcomed to Anfield with open arms by his friend, England teammate and former Southampton teammate Adam Lallana. The full back was unveiled earlier this week after the Reds agreed a £12.5m fee with the Saints for his services and Lallana predicts he’ll be a success for Liverpool.
“He’s as solid as they come for a right-back and, getting forward, he’s got goals in his locker,” Lallana said. “In one-v-one situations defensively, he’s the kind of full-back you just don’t want to come up against,” he added.
“Off the pitch, he’ll fit in absolutely fine. He’s quite quiet and likes to just get on with his football, but he’s a great lad and knowing the Liverpool dressing room, he’ll fit in absolutely perfectly.”
Clyne will be expected to settle in quickly at Anfield with the fee paid putting him towards the top end of the club’s spending on defenders down the years. He’s the fourth most expensive Reds defender of all time, just ahead of Alberto Moreno, and the second most expensive full-back the club have ever signed. The player he replaces, Glen Johnson, was the most expensive full-back, with centre-backs Mamadou Sakho and another of his former Saints teammates, Dejan Lovren, topping the club’s defensive spending chart.
Lallana, himself the second most expensive player Liverpool had ever signed when he arrived last year – he’s now third after Roberto Firmino took second place with that £29m fee – is delighted with the work the club have done so far to bring new faces in. “The signings so far have been tremendous,” he said. “There’s Firmino, Milner, Ings and now Clyne, as well as Bogdan and Gomez. It’s a great variety and added to what we’ve already got, hopefully it can be a good combination for success.”
Will Clyne make a difference for Liverpool? “It’s a massive signing for us,” Lallana said.
“I played with him for a couple of seasons at Southampton and since they signed him, he’s come on a lot. 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.”
Lallana suggests he was surprised Liverpool managed to land him, given the absence of Champions League football and reported interest from top clubs at home and abroad: “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.” Lallana said.
The Reds attacking midfielder also revealed he’d been on a break with Clyne this summer before the deal was done and that he’d discussed the move with him. “I’ve spoken to him and I was actually on holiday with him for a little bit this summer.” Lallana explained. “We were in America together. I managed to speak to him about it there and I kind of knew it could be on the cards.
“His intentions were there and he was hoping the deal could get sorted.”
Speaking to the club’s official website, Lallana said there wasn’t much persuasion needed on his part: “Liverpool explains itself.” He said. “The whole world knows about Liverpool.
“I just said to him that I hoped the deal would get done as it’ll be a great place for him to improve even more, especially under Brendan Rodgers’ guidance.”
The 24-year-old spent three seasons as St Mary’s before Liverpool signed him and Lallana has seen him mature and develop since his old club bought him from Crystal Palace: “I’ve not been surprised by his progress,” says Lallana.
“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.”
Lallana is coming to the end of his summer break, cut short because of England duty and busy because of a new arrival in his family, but he says he’ll be ready to get back into action for the club’s pre-season tour and the new season ahead.
“I think everyone’s looking forward to getting back,” he said. “We’ve got an exciting tour, but we’ve still got a few more days left of our holidays, which we’ll enjoy because it’s a tough and long season.
“It’s not been too long [the break], but I’ve spent time with the family. I’ve just had another baby boy – my wife gave birth on June 2 – so it’s been quite full on, really, in terms of bottle feeding and entertaining my three-year-old, too.
“It’s been great fun. There’ve been a few sleepless nights, but not too many!”
Sourced from Talking Baws (Weblog)
Liverpool completed the signing of Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton this week ending weeks of speculation.
The 24-year-old England right-back becomes the fourth player to join the Anfield side from the Saints in the last year, joining Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren.
And just about everyone has jumped on the trolling bandwagon as Brendan Rodgers continues to use Ronald Koeman’s side as his own Premier League feeder club.
Southampton legend Francis Benali also decided to poke fun at Liverpool’s transfer policy by “selling” a chair to Brendan Rodgers’ side for £8 million.
You can check out his cheeky tweet below.
Liverpool finished one place higher than Southampton last season in sixth spot.
And they’ll be hoping their latest addition will be another asset to them as they push to break back into that top four again this coming season.
Sourced from Tottenham Blog (Weblog)
Spurs and Southampton battle for Alderweireld – Twitter reacts - TottenhamBlog.com
Those famous Sky ‘sources’ have claimed that Daniel Levy is in Madrid negotiating the transfer of Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian central defender has long been linked with a move to Spurs, as the club looks to strengthen a position where we were weak last season. Yet it looks like there will be competition from Southampton, where Alderweireld has just spent an impressive campaign on loan. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news.
Sourced from Cartilage Free Captain (Weblog)
Lowball bid by Manchester United rejected for Tottenham midfield target
So you’re telling me there’s a chance!
Keep hope alive, Spurs fans. The Telegraph is reporting this morning that Southampton have rejected a £20m bid for Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United as the tug-of-war for the Frenchman’s services continues.
Schneiderlin is considered one of Mauricio Pochettino’s top transfer targets in this window and for good reason: he’s really stinkin’ good and would be the perfect cog in Poche’s midfield. Unfortunately, that’s what United thinks also, and Schneiderlin is already on record as saying he’ll only leave Soton for a Champions League Club.
Southampton values Schneiderlin at £25m and is pretty adamant about that price being the minimum that they’ll take for him. So for United to have a lowball offer rejected could open the door just a tiny crack for Spurs if they are serious about landing him. Spurs have made over £17m from the sales of Paulinho, Lewis Holtby, and Iago Falque already this window, so it’s not like Daniel Levy will have to go scrounging through his couch cushions looking for loose change. A big bid for Schneiderlin would not only show that Spurs are serious about landing him, but might – just might – help convince Morgan that he’d do quite well under his old boss at White Hart Lane.
This is all speculation, of course, and the odds of Spurs actually signing him seem to grow weaker with each passing day in the window. But he’s perfect for Tottenham, the real missing piece in the midfield pivot. Let’s all channel our inner Lloyd Christmas and keep optimistic. It could happen! Keep repeating that to yourselves. No, stop crying.
Sourced from HITC
Report: Southampton ready to hijack Bournemouth’s move for £7.1m rated Max Gradel
The former Leeds United man is set to head to the Premier League this summer.
Southampton are aiming to hijack local rivals AFC Bournemouth’s move for former Leeds United hero Max Gradel, as reported by The Mirror.
They claim that Southampton are keen on signing the Ivorian, who is on his way out of French club Saint-Etienne.
Gradel remains something of a fan favourite at Leeds United. During his time at Elland Road he played 85 games, scoring 25 times and became popular with fans with his exciting displays for the club and they would love to have him back.
Bournemouth, according to L’Equipe, have failed to meet the demands of the transfer, with Saint-Etienne wanting a fee in the region of €10 million (£7.1 million).
Southampton should have no problem meeting that fee, especially with the money accrued from the recent sale of Nathaniel Clyne.
Who is likely to win this battle?
If it comes to a straight choice for the former Leeds and Leicester man than Southampton will surely be his destination. This is a player who scored 13 goals in 13 games for the club since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty earlier in the year and would love to play in Europe next term.
Despite previous at Bournemouth, where he spent time on loan earlier in his career, the lure of Europa League football would likely prove the clincher for Southampton in any race for his signature.
Would Gradel be a good signing for Southampton?
Sourced from Give Me Sport
Arsene Wenger could STILL replace Francis Coquelin with £25m star
Arsenal are still interested in Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin despite their refusal to match Manchester United’s £20 million bid, reports The Telegraph.
The Red Devils launched the summer’s first concrete offer for Schneiderlin but it fell someway short of matching Southampton’s £25m asking price.
They are yet to come back with a second offer but have the finances available to offer what the Saints want.
Should Arsenal buy Morgan Schneiderlin this summer? Have your say by signing up now to become a GMS writer: http://gms.to/haveyoursay4
But Louis van Gaal may not want to wait around too long to make an improved offer as his Premier League rival Arsene Wenger is still interested in bringing the France international to the Emirates Stadium.
It has been widely reported that Arsenal’s interest in Schneiderlin has waned since the emergence of Francis Coquelin but reliable journalist Jeremy Wilson says there is still a chance that an offer could be launched.
Abou Diaby has officially been released by the club and there are significant doubts over the fitness of Mikel Arteta as well as the ability of Mathieu Flamini.
Coquelin has been a terrific asset for the Gunners since he returned from his Charlton loan spell in January and would certainly command a place on the team sheet ahead of both Arteta and Flamini. The problems start if and when Coquelin picks up an injury.
Now Manchester United are interested, Arsenal have a significant problem in that they cannot afford to compete with them on a financial level.
Should Arsenal meet the asking price of £25m, Manchester United could just as easily launch an even bigger offer as well as place a more lucrative contract in front of Schneiderlin.
Wenger can only hope his long-standing interest as well as his living legacy will tempt Schneiderlin to north London over Manchester.
Having two quality players in every position is not something anyone at Arsenal will be used to. Not since the days of the Invincibles have they had the resources to stockpile talent.
However, the sustain a title challenge across the whole season, Wenger needs quality options to rotate his squad and beyond Coquelin there are no players capable of protecting the back four.
Schneiderlin is one of the best at the role and would drive Coquelin to improve further by adding strong competition for a starting place.
Should Morgan Schneiderlin be a top priority for Arsenal?
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Sourced from London 24
The Mirror claim the Cherries are preparing a £5million bid for the former Leeds United man, as West Ham and Southampton look elsewhere after initial interest.
Gradel was on stunning form towards the end of last season, notching 13 goals from the final 12 games from a wide area.
That form and overall contribution in France has lead St Etienne to be worried and despite the player having two years remaining on his current deal, it looks as though a summer switch is likely.
Gradel wants to return to England and has is valued at around £7million in France (€10million).
Bournemouth are not prepared to go that far yet and West Ham are seemingly out of the race with Dimitri Payet already on board.
However, with Matt Jarvis and Morgan Amalfitano having a chance to impress tonight in the Europa League, Slaven Bilic may decide he does need another winger.
Stewart Downing’s future is uncertain too, so Bournemouth will want to get in before West Ham reignite their intent.
Sourced from The Peoples Person (Weblog)
Southampton turn down Schneiderlin bid – report | Man Utd News
Southampton have turned down a £20m bid from Manchester United for Morgan Schneiderlin, according to the Telegraph.
Man United made the offer last week and are yet to return with a bigger bid but they may need to act quickly as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are still said to be interested in signing the 25-year-old.
Schneiderlin is back at training with Southampton and he has been told that if a suitable offer does come in he will be allowed to leave.
Although the £25m price tag is more than double what Spurs offered them for the player last year, Southampton are sure their valuation is realistic for a player of his ability.
Schneiderlin joined the Saints from Strasbourg in 2008 and he has played a key part in guiding the team from League One to the Premier League.
Louis van Gaal’s squad is crying out for a quality midfielder as United had to rely on an injury-prone Michael Carrick far too often last term.
As well as Schneiderlin, Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks.
Sourced from talkSPORT
It’s day two of the summer transfer window – but Manchester United have already been dealt a blow with target Ilkay Gundogan agreeing a new two-year deal at Borussia Dortmund.
The Red Devils were also reportedly interested in new Liverpool duo Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne before their move to Anfield.
Louis van Gaal has been linked with a host of midfielders as United look to strengthen in the middle of the park.
But who is on the Dutchman’s radar? And who is deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford?
Click the yellow arrow above, right, to see all of the latest Manchester United transfer rumours…
Sourced from Belfast Telegraph
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana believes the club have pulled off a “great coup” with the signing of former Southampton team-mate Nathaniel Clyne.
The England right-back became the Reds’ sixth signing of a busy summer when he completed a £12million move on Wednesday.
“It’s a massive signing for us,” Lallana told liverpoolfc.com.
"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, 24, 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.”
The Liverpool midfielder is also impressed by the moves the club have already made in readiness for the start of pre-season next week.
“The signings so far have been tremendous,” he said.
"There’s (Roberto) Firmino, (James) Milner, (Danny) Ings and now Clyne, as well as (Adam) Bogdan and (Joe) Gomez.
“It’s a great variety and added to what we’ve already got, hopefully it can be a good combination for success.”
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes the club’s captain-elect Jordan Henderson will be England’s dominant midfielder over the next few years.
“The last season he really has developed into a world-class football player,” he told premierleague.com.
"With Gerrard on his way out (to Los Angeles Galaxy) and the captaincy available, now is the time for Henderson to kick on and develop in his career.
“I think he will be Liverpool and England’s dominant midfield player for years to come.”
Sourced from London 24
Southampton confident of beating Spurs and Chelsea to £6.3million Belgian star
Amid speculation that Tottenham are ready to hijack their attempts to land the 26-year-old Belgium international, the south coast club are hoping to steal a march on other interested parties having already entered into negotiations with the Spanish outfit.
Alderweireld, who joined Atletico from Dutch club Ajax in September 2013, spent last season on loan at St Mary’s and made 26 Premier League appearances, all of them starts, as the Saints finished in an impressive seventh place.
Manager Ronald Koeman is keen to retain his services, and while any deal may prove complicated, he is optimistic.
Speaking earlier this week, Koeman said: “The player likes to stay, we like to keep the player but it’s a little difficulty at the moment with Atletico Madrid. I have a good hope he will stay for Southampton.”
The Saints prospered last season despite significant changes in their squad following the summer departures of Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers, and the manager will hope for less of a turnover this time around amid uncertainty over the futures of Alderweireld and midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.
Chelsea have also been linked wit Alderweirdeld but have other options in their sight.
Sourced from Vital Football - Southampton FC
Southampton FC News - Latest Southampton Transfer News & Gossip
Welcome to the Southampton Football Club Fans Forum
Striker Jay Rodriguez has said he’s thrilled to be back in the mix of things in pre season training now and he can’t wait to help the club push on further in 2015-16…
Sourced from Daily and Sunday Express
Revealed: Why Southampton sold Man United target Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool
Clyne had also been watched by Manchester United but Louis van Gaal has decided to look elsewhere.
The England right-back penned a deal with Liverpool earlier this week after refusing to sign a new contract on the south coast .
And Reed, despite wanting Clyne to stay, is pleased to have signed a replacement before letting him go.
“With Nathaniel’s contract entering its final year, it was important that his future was resolved this summer,” Reed said,
"With Cedric Soares now in place and it becoming clear that Nathaniel did not wish to extend his deal, we were keen to swiftly move on early in our pre-season schedule.
“We have now been able to conclude our negotiations with Liverpool, and we thank Nathaniel for his efforts during the past three seasons.”