24 Aug 2020 10:21:07
Hi Ed002, hope you are well. Just wondering if you have any insight to future transfer targets? sorry if you have already done this. Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Possible Departures:

Fraser Forster (G) Celtic were keen - but it is unclear now
Jack Rose (G) Released
Cedric Soares (RB) Moved to Arsenal
Ryan Bertrand (LWB) Should sign a new contract and stay
Jannik Vestergaard (CB) Leicester have asked after a price for Vestergaard and Southampton are after recruiting a reasonably priced centre back. They had set their heart on a younger player of which much is expected but have been knocked back in an approach - and options become thinner on the ground in January when clubs do not have replacements lined up. This would add credence to the suggestion that they are considering Vestergaard as Southampton are willing to let him go.
Maya Yoshida (CB) Released
Oriol Romeu (DM) wanted by Celta Vigo but I cannot see they will be able to afford him. Southampton may be open to a summer sale.
Mario Lemina (CB) Galatasaray, Besisktas and Werder Bremen are all keen.
Harrison Reed (CM/DM) Available.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM) Moved to Spurs.
Sofiane Boufal (LW) Celta Vigo want another loan and Southampton may be open if there was an obligation to buy him in the summer - but finances may be an issue. Milan have enquired after his availability, but no more.
Marcus Barnes (F) Released

Players of interest:

Robbie Mutch (G)
Kyle Walker-Peters (RB) Signed from Spurs
Bartosz Bereszynski (RB) May not be interested in providing cover
Aaron Hickey (LB) Hearts player who is attracting interest from the Premier League and is of an age where he could become Home Grown. Crystal Palace, Southampton, Manchester City, Everton and Newcastle have shown some interest. Only needed if Ryan Bertrand leaves - so unlikely.

Martin Hinteregger (CB) The Southampton manager has explicitly requested the club try to recruit Hinteregger.}
Mohammed Salisu (CB) Transfer completed to Southampton.
Omar Colley (CB) A Plan B to MH.

Weston McKennie (CM/DM) wants to play in the Premier League and watched by Brighton, Everton and Crystal Palace, but the smarter scouts should have noticed that Schalke have a far better midfield player in Suat Serder which is where the efforts should be going. Southampton and Newcastle have a declared interest. Hertha Berlin has a declared interest and plenty of money. McKennie would be an option to replace Douglas Luiz if he were to leave Aston VIlla. Southampton have met with Schalke as they see McKennie as a replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojberg.
Morgan Sanson (CM) very, veryunlikely
Ozan Tufan (CM) Southampton, Everton, Augsburg, Crystal Palace, Freiberg, Cologne and Leicester have apparently enquired after his availability.
Jacob Maddox (AM) plan was to join Southampton on a permanent basis but moved elsewhere.
Yari Verschaeren (AM) interesting Lille and Southampton, there may be efforts to seek a move for fear of Anderlecht facing sanctions. Unlikely.
Ben Chrisene (M) opted for Aston Villa.
Eberechi Eze (RW) very, very unlikely
Darwin Nunez (S) may be too expensive at €20M with lots of interest from elsewhere.}


1.) 24 Aug 2020
24 Aug 2020 14:37:16
WOW thank you very much Ed002 :)


2.) 24 Aug 2020
24 Aug 2020 15:57:14
Thanks Ed, absolute legend! Interesting to see we are still scouting in the same circles as Newcastle, Villa, Everton. They tend to overpay and reap little reward so hopefully we choose wisely and don’t get suckered in by money and competition.

{Ed002's Note - Tough times financially. And rememnber Gao Jisheng is open to selling up to the full 80% of his holding in Southampton. If he cannot sell it all he would be happy to sit on just under 30% to see if any improvement can be found with a new investor. This has been the situation since the Spring of 2019.}


3.) 25 Aug 2020
25 Aug 2020 15:56:23
Thank you for this Ed, it’s really helpful. Be great to recruit 2/ 3 players from that list but with Gao’s position I’m not optimistic.