Very slight as it seems Caceres isn't good enough. I think there is a reasonable chance that Virgil is staying, but, if he didn't, we would probably be after a quality CB.
Another battle with Everton? Could be a recurring theme this summer. http://sportwitness.co.uk/everton-southampton-keen-player-25m-30m-tussle-seems-reasonable/
Yes my first thought was are we really going to pay that much for any player, never mind a centre back? Depends on the new owners I guess.
If VVD is to go, would be better to get out top CB target in before, as if we sell for £50 mill ish, all prices will go up?
I think Lucas Perez would be an excellent signing, a nice mobile striker: http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/foo...portunities-under-arsene-wenger-a3533521.html
€40 million for Seri. Well this move won't be happening then? http://sportmania.ci/2017/05/09/football-seri-cest-25-milliards/ http://sportwitness.co.uk/everton-southampton-target-available-e40m-summer-agreement-reached/
Keep seeing articles about why Chelsea/Liverpool/Arsenal (delete as appropriate) should sign Bertrand/VVD/Romeu (delete as appropriate). Why doesn't anyone say 'Why Saints should keep these players.' A good player is of far more use to us than he is to a team already overloaded with talent. Guess I know the answer....Saints aren't clickbait.
Also because saints never do keep such players whereas Chelsea/Liverpool/Arsenal always do sign them from us.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/manager-comments-future-leicester-southampton-target-following-clash/ Bruma (a putative Saints target) has row with boss on pitch....suggesting their relationship has broken down and he is unsettled. If he comes here, his behaviour will have to improve.....we have standards.....at Southampton you can only row with the boss and throw things when taken off.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/foot...Claude-Puel-Jurgen-Klopp-Transfer-News-Gossip Wild claim that VVD will only join Liverpool if they get Champions' League next season. As if you would base the most important move of your career on one thing! If Champions' League is the deal breaker, I would suggest he picks another team. Which of course, he won't do....because he is staying here.
http://www.footballinsider247.com/liverpool-battle-man-city-27-year-old-club-ready-cash-report/ Reports that we are ready to cash in on Bertrand. Could be just another rumour and a 2+2 = 5 thing, but could we decide to let Bertrand go if we feel his value has been reached and we have plans to sign another player and/or are happy with who we have. This is our financial plan...whilst always trying to have a good competitive side, Saints buy players in, add value and sell making a large profit. Fans just like to accrue all players and perhaps end up with a squad of 50, but the club look at things differently as they know who we are....at least until a moneybags buys us. Contrary to the view of the media, we have only had one season where we had a fire sale....the rest have been generally under our control. The BBC site mentioned recently that we sell players, but always under our terms. Until the board know otherwise, they will continue with this plan. I admire Bertrand and hope he stays, but (genuine question) is it time to cash in and move on....bearing in mind that any money may help us keep/buy other players.
Would be gutted to loose Bertrand as he is top class however I don't think we would need to replace him as we have two good young replacements sat waiting their chance in McQueen and Targett. I would use the £20m+ to fund the purchase of McGuire from Hull
Without any kind of insider knowledge, I believe the board are always prepared to lose one or two players if it isn't too disruptive. Fans do things with passion...the board has to do things with a cool head and long term vision. There will always be the chance of sticking plaster buys if needed, but in general the board tries to keep to the plan. As with any plan, life happens whilst you aren't looking, but I trust Saints to just move to plan B and C. The early talk was all about having a list of replacements for every position and I have no reason to doubt that. Fans panic...the board doesn't. It does of course mean that there will be odd seasons where things aren't so good....but every team gets that....even those who've spent a fortune and expected the earth. I won't panic if players like Bertrand and Tadic leave....it is all part of evolution....I just don't want a meteor style wipe out.
