Weird seeing Clasie back training for Saints - must be an odd feeling being one of the players that know they are on the way out but wont leave because theyre on good money
Tough on Ralph too. Does he give them a chance, or just make it known they are not in his plans. Every route has complications.
Sometimes players have to look at themselves and make the best call for their future playing careers like Sam and Danny have.
I have thought that for a while now as he is a decent footballer and likes to drive forward & has an eye for a goal) A proper defensive midfielder playing in front of our two CBs would help. Central defence is our biggest issue especially now our attack seems have been given a real boost
The dilemma is if Stephens isn't going to be good enough to be a first/second choice centre back, do we take a chance on him working as a DM, or sign someone else in that position? Not the highest priority area, but probably need someone else there if Lemina is to go.
Fully agree. he'd make a decent stopper in the championship or lower but I fail to see he's got the skill levels required to make it as a DM player in the premier league?
I disagree. His positioning is truly awful at times and I don't see that changing just because he goes into midfield. That midfield role still needs to be very disciplined and I'm not sure he's got that in his locker. I'd love to be proved wrong mind.
Seems like Wigan and Blackburn are the two clubs going after Sam Gallagher - hope this is wrapped up pretty soon
http://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-reject-offer-midfielder-want-permanent-sale/ Saints reportedly have rejected a loan offer for Lemina from Atalanta....preferring a sale.
Villa apparently want Stephens too - now he hasn't been included on the "for sale" list but you'd think we would listen to a decent offer. How much do you think would be fair price? £9m?
I said the other day that I couldn't think of a young, English player with 50+ PL games who would fetch less than we got for Targett when people were talking about the fee being high. I had forgotten about Stephens. Hopefully Villa are flush with cash and will give us something similar for Stephens, although this could all be a smoke screen as they surely want Mings after his performances for them last season.
In fairness I would like Mings at Saints. Always rated him prior to his misfortune at Bournemouth - his spell last seasons suggests he is getting back to his best.