Transfer Rumours The January '16 transfer rumour thread.

That is a bit presumptuous. He is a perfect fit for us but are we a perfect fit for him? He may not be happy with our assessment that he is a fine backup player. Maybe he values himself at higher than we value him at. Maybe he thinks he is good enough to fight for first choice at any level? A bit presumptuous of us to think that he is happy to be a 'decent back up player'.

I could see Long making way for Austin. Pity because I would rather keep long and play him alongside Austin. Speed up the attack and make it much more of a scary attack. Direct in terms of an attack that drives at the opposition rather than the old 'battering ram' of Pelle.

If Austin does make this move I would say it shows his character. In 6 months time he could make himself a very very rich man if he sits it out. If he moves now he will earn significantly less (although silly money still) and show he is more concerned with playing at the highest level both in terms of domestic and upcoming England fixtures in the summer!!!

 

I get what you say and I'm not saying he's at Morgan level for sure, however he's been good for more than a couple of games and people just aren't seeing it, or choosing not to.

As for the words of caution on players leaving and replacing them, you are preaching to the converted. I accept that currently we are Southampton and players leaving is a part of that. I was one that despite me being hugely positive last season kept saying that what has happened this season was always a strong possibility and it can be again next time around.

 

He probably does consider himself worth more than a place on the bench at St Marys, and may back himself to succeed at a bigger club.

But I see him as an important player for us, even if he's not always guaranteed a start; besides which he's shown himself willing to knuckle down and wait for his chances. I'm not saying he won't leave, I'm saying I hope he doesn't; for his sake and ours.

 

Long is more prolific than Harry Kane.

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I agree. I think Long is actually better than he shows but then my footballing opinions are often called into question. To me a possible Austin / Long partnership up front looks superb. I think they would complement each other. Both players hard working, and up for it.

 

That could work well. Long has everything apart from the finishing, which to me always looks like he is not sure what he wants to do. He often makes the wrong decision in terms of having an extra touch (which is often the touch that stuffs the chance). Apart from that he is great to have because of his work rate.

Is he 27? Funnily enough, time hasn't passed him yet for finishing. Often a striker gets better at finishing as they get older, slow down and start to relax more in those situations.

 

Reports on News Now that Scousehampton want Shane for £8m...since when do we sell players at a discount?
So we buy him for £12m, he starts scoring regularly, he proves what a pain he is to defenders and we sell him for 33% less than we bought him.
Bin Dippers are living on a different plant surely?

 

http://metro.co.uk/2016/01/16/chels...aziano-pelle-contract-talks-on-hold-5626435/?

Is there a hidden agenda here?

 

Or they are smoking some sort of plant......

 

Do you really think it would be any better for Long at Liverpool? Would he be any thing different than a back up player there?
Yes Long misses a lot but you do have to give him credit for being in a decent position to miss!!
I think if he was given a decent run he just may surprise a lot of people and the percentage of target strikes will go up quite staggeringly. He is one in my view who does have a big future...........if he is given the chance!!

 

Sky says Charlie Austin has had a medical with us. £4m and terms agreed, nowt on OS.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Austin

Someone was quick if true!

 

£4M????? Jesus H Christ Harry! That's a ludicrous fee if true.

 

I would amazed if we sold Long to Liverpool or Spurs. Firstly there is no reason for us to want to sell - he's in good form, and we're at least one striker light right now. Austin is about to solve that yes, but why we would we then agree to return to square one by being a man light again? Secondly he isn't good enough to a regular for either of those two teams, so I can't see them being willing to pay the necessary money (somewhere between £10m and £15m I would suggest) to sign him as nothing more than a back up.

 

Not totally sure about him but a hell of a price for a proven goal scorer

 

At least one element would be better for him...

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Agree with much of this though. He's never going to rack up 20-30 goals in a season but I think he's a very good second striker (either coming off the bench or to play as part of a front two).

 

Great signing, chuffed. Didn't think it would happen. Now let's get byram for a great window still a snip at another 4 mil. Good bargain hunting Saints!

 

Agreed...he would double his wages and bearing in mind his alleged big gambling habit he will need every penny.
I really hope he stays as him and Saint Charlie up front would give defenders a real nightmare especially those who play out from the back

 

Pleased.