27 Dec 2012 14:50:31
A few players on Saint's radar. As expected Cortese is looking abroad for bargains rather than paying inflated prices for British players.
Firstly Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, a young Dutch centre back at SC Heerenveen. Good potential, though I'm not sure if he's quite what we need now, £2.5m-£3m.
Secondly and looking more likely is Marko Arnautović, an Austrian striker/winger playing for Werder Bremen. He would help as cover/replacement for Puncheon. He had some attitude problems, but has sorted them out and is a great all-round winger, with plenty of goals and assists. £7m
Would be very happy to sign Marko, could offer goals and a decent ball in to the box (which we haven't had recently)
Marko looks a great player, though Youtube can be deceptive. Looks like he can play both wings equally well, which is useful, just look how disjointed our play has become without Lallana on the left.
Marko still has signs of attitude issues and I think that would deter Cortese from allowing him to move to Southampton. While he is a good player I think maybe could get someone who is a good player and has the attitude to fit us as well. Not that I would reject him as a signing if it happened he is a true talent.
I think the general consensus is that his temperament is his only weakness. While yes it is a concern, we saw how Puncheon has gone from Cortese's least favourite player to a vital part of the team, so I'd say the attitude may not be as big an issue as it might be. On the pitch he's as good a forward as we're likely to get. Still need a few centrebacks though and maybe cover for Shaw.
Soon you will see how Puncheon has "gone"