gav_b_115

Just seen that we are being linked with Valere Germain. Striker for Monaco who Puel had on loan at Nice last season. Has a high football whisphers rating. Also some info in the french press. http://www.asmfoot.fr/breve-25325-Transferts-Southampton-aussi-viserait-Germain.html

Jorge Sampaoli is still out of work after leaving his position managing Chille. Reported yesterday to be close to joining Granada. For a long time seemed nailed on to be getting the Chelsea job, with the only issue appearing to be the time he would need to improve his english. Could our new 5 year plan afford him this time... He seems a closer tactical fit than some of the suggestions (very similar to Pochettino - both adopt Bielsa-esque tactics) and has a strong reputation based on his international achievements.

If Emery ends up taking over at PSG, this would leave Blanc out of work. He has an almost perfect record at PSG and playing experience in England. Would he be unrealistic?

A couple of others taken from the BBC article on January Football Sales. They are all players that are likely to be leaving Premiership clubs. Kerrea Gilbert - Arsenal Danny ****tu - Bolton Nicky Hunt - Bolton Peter Halmosi - Hull City Andy Griffin - Stoke City Carl Dickinson - Stoke City George Friend - Wolves Out of these I think Danny ****tu and Nicky Hunt would be great defensive signings (although I'd imagine that they'd be a lot of championship clubs interested in them).

If he can stay fit looks like he could be a good addition having been on loan in this league last year.

I can't start a new thread due to account limitations, but Saints have signed Neal Trotman on loan. Ps I'm not ITK. See: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11719_5501209,00.html

The problem with this defence is that there is no way Thomas will be able to stay injury free throughout the whole season. We looked far better last season when we kept the same central defenders for a consistent run of games. If we can get Thomas off the wage bill I would be far happier having either Bennett - Size or Sodje - Size, as they could hopefully play 40+ games together next season.

I see that Sam Sodje has not been signed up by anyone since his release from Reading. I think he could be a good signing as he would bring some much needed pace to the back 4.