Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino was coy on the future of Adam Lallana, with the midfielder linked with a move to Liverpool. Sky sources understand that Brendan Rodgers is set to table a bid for the 25-year-old this summer, and are thought to want to settle the deal before his probable inclusion in England's World Cup squad. Ahead of Southampton's final game of the season on Sunday, Argentinian Pochettino, whose future at the club also appears uncertain, said he was only aware of what has been reported in the media. "I pretty much have the same information you have. The club has not spoken to me officially about anything (regarding Adam)," he said. Southampton insist they have not received any official bid for Lallana, who has just been named the club's player of the year. Lallana has scored nine goals in 37 Premier League appearances this season, with six assists, and has created 69 chances for a team which also includes England prospects Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw. Meanwhile, Pochettino distanced himself from reports he is in line to succeed Tim Sherwood as Tottenham manager this summer. "I'm here, no? I have the same goals and the same wishes and I want to be successful, ambitious and always improve as a manager," he said. "Many things are spoken about and there are a lot of rumours flying around right now. This Sunday a project of five years will come to an end and then it is up to the board to discuss with me the new project I will be starting next season. "It's not really up to me to decide when those talks happen but the club overall has to explain to me what this new project is going to consist of and how it is going to start next season." http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11661/9302985
I wouldn't be surprised if we did put in a £20m bid for him, I dont think we'd get him, for the reasons put forward by the Saints fans on this thread (Though they are not proper Saints, just sayin'). I dont have much faith in our transfer policy. How much were we looking to spent on that Ukrainian lad? Shows that we were looking to splash out on an attackiong player in Jan, I'd bet it was still on the list. Of the Signings under the FSG\BR partnership, I only rate Sturridge, Coutinho and Mig. The rest have been either dissapointing or poor value for money (sometimes both). I can see our targets prices being inflated now we are in the CL, as there will be a perception we can afford more. Hopefuly now we do have CL our "top" targets will be easier to get. But, as I say, I wouldnt be surprised if we did TRY so spend a chunk on Lallana.
He didn't say he preferred London, I think it was the club president that come out saying how London is more appealing than Liverpool or some **** like that.
Deffo club president who said that, I remember as Spurs fans were trying to wum us with it Kono is very disappointed he couldnt come to us
I'll be surprised if we DON'T sign Kono this summer, and it will be for a lot less than £16m we were willing to pay in Jan. Back to the OT, I like Lallana and I think he's a good player. But to spend £20m on him is ridiculous for one good season at a small club. Get him for £10m-15m then I think it's decent but when you spend £20m+ on a player, I expect him to be pushing straight into the first team. He's certainly better than Moses and Aspas so I have faith in him adding quality to the depth of the squad. But £20m should be buying you players who you expect to pushing for a starting place.
London's only 200 miles away, a bloody sight closer than he is at the moment, so what's he whinging about? Lallana's stats say 9 goals in 37? Borini's are 9 in 39. Plus we don't have to fork out for him, and because he's Italian we probably only have to pay him in pasta and Chianti and let him lech at the other Wags and he's happy. I'm not against Lallana, and if he came I'd welcome him- but as I said earlier, I think we have more pressing needs.
No inside info or anything but I wouldn't be surprised to see our NET spend at over £60 million this Summer. I get the feeling that we are not going to get caught in the dilemma of merely replacing like with like. Strategically that makes sense as we need to ensure another Premiership challenge next season as well as make a good showing in the CL. Add 2 possible cup runs and we need as strong a squad as we can possible get. Sure we have returnees and will probably have some loanees next season but it would not surprise me to see some names leaving the club (hopefully for as much as we can get) to add to the coffers. Players like Lallana with quality are what we need this window. We are not shopping for marquee type players but our price horizon must be higher.
Hopefully Saints start asking for silly money (£25m or more) so we don't follow up on it. Anything less than £15m then yeah could be a good signing but wouldn't class him as being a better buy than Sturridge or Coutinho.
I want players with big club experience - I don't think it's any coincidence that since we signed the likes of Coutinho, Sturridge, Sakho, Toure and even Cissokho (all of whom have been at big clubs, won titles), we've improved significantly.
Have to say I'd be excited to see how Lallana fits in if we get him. He's very unique for an English player. Considering the freedom Brendan has given to Sterling and Suarez's game, he could raise Lallana to another level. He's the perfect player type for what Brendan wants - quick feet, two footed, agile, reads the game and presses the ball very well. At the moment I might say he's better than Coutinho due to his end product - but of course they play in different styles and under different pressures.
It depends what partof end product you mean. Coutinho's passing is spot on. I see Coutinho more as a CM playmaker who can play further forward. Lallana is an AM who can play wide, same as Sterling.
