Chamberlain to Arsenal or Liverpool £10m

[OldNick]

AOC is a valuable commodity. We don't need to sell therefore we don't need to accept any offer just because it has been made. If he is going to go we hold out for the highest bid and believe me there will be intense competition to sign him. I really think that that if people on this board had been responsible for transfers we would have made £3m tops in the last ten years.

The big clubs are not fools, they know the thought of them being interested will worm away at the lads brain and unsettle him. The player may lose some of his form effect the squad and may be more of a hindrance. Do you think his first thought at present is the excitement of walking out at SMS or the prospect of walking out at Anfield ,Stamford bridge etc.

That will have a bearing on how long we can hold out for these wonderful prices you feel we will get for him.

Taking a good price for him with add ons and perhaps a loan back is the best we can really hope for if the lad wants to leave.

IMO, when/if we get back to the PL we still will be a selling club of our top players. I cannot see the situation where players will want to choose us rather than Man U Madrid barcelona etc.

Realism rules in my mind, not the fantasy land where the worlds best young players yearn to play in L1 or the Championship

[saint peach]

For what it's worth, here is an updated piece about Chamberlain I penned a few weeks back. http://bit.ly/esLxTn

[Chez]

IMO, when/if we get back to the PL we still will be a selling club of our top players. I cannot see the situation where players will want to choose us rather than Man U Madrid barcelona etc.

 

the question is how can `smaller clubs' ever entice a batch of young players to all sign 5 year deals that they stick to thereby creating something special? I guess that is a dream that only a huge bag of money and a lot of luck will ever fufill.

[OldNick]

the question is how can `smaller clubs' ever entice a batch of young players to all sign 5 year deals that they stick to thereby creating something special? I guess that is a dream that only a huge bag of money and a lot of luck will ever fufill.

As much as i would love to be wrong, i can't see any club outside the top 4 being able to do so, and even they have to fight the lure of Madrid and Barcelona.

Personally I have found that having these starlets a curse. I understand that is bizarre, but when you see Norwich who have been able to keep their top players as they are not quite PL and so have been able to climb the leagues without the heart/stars being stripped out.

The loss of our starlets has caused so much angst and upset over the years, it can't help the squads morale

[Turkish]

As much as i would love to be wrong, i can't see any club outside the top 4 being able to do so, and even they have to fight the lure of Madrid and Barcelona.

Personally I have found that having these starlets a curse. I understand that is bizarre, but when you see Norwich who have been able to keep their top players as they are not quite PL and so have been able to climb the leagues without the heart/stars being stripped out.

The loss of our starlets has caused so much angst and upset over the years, it can't help the squads morale

 

The difference is that now compared to when Walcott and Bale left is firstly we can hold out for a deal that suits us and secondly we can reinvest the money in the squad rather than using it to keep the wolf from the door. If Chamberlain goes for say £5m and this gets put back into the side, we have the ability to then sign 3-4 top chamionship level players without the Liebherrs having to dip into their pockets.

 

Our top players will always go onto the bigger clubs sooner or later, sooner the longer we are in this league and the CCC, being in the premier league might make them stay a little longer, if we were a midtable PL club would Bale have gone to Spurs who were similar at the time? Probably not. We could have had him for a few more years, he could have out in those performances for us then gone for a much bigger fee. £15-£20m gets you 3-4 decent PL players these days. Our top players will always leave, that is the nature of the modern game unfortunately, just got to hope we get the best deal and then use the money to improve the team.

[NickG]

how different would we do with likes of Antonio, Pugh or Feeney? Probably not much different this season.

[yorkie]

Surely this is a long term plan by the big clubs to invest in English talent to comply with the new UEFA/FIFA guidelines about playing at least 5/6 "English" players? They know at 17 the fee and wages are going to be much lower than if they wait until he's the finished article at 20/21!

 

Not sure at 17 if I could turn my back on £10k/week or look at the bigger picture. My heart says loyalty will go out the window - but at 17 I still think Mr Chamberlain (Snr) will have a big say regardless of what his agent says. It all adds up to if he wants to develop his game at this and the next level with men rather than boys in the youth teams at the other clubs?

 

Like all talented players - you are just part of the team/squad until you get a big fee then you are expected to do it every week regardless of cramping up or having an off day. A move could ruin any potential - and I believe it is the duty of any club to take a player when he is ready for a move. He's just broken into the first team - he's not ready for the next move yet in my opinion. If he'd been a star in our team for a season and a half loitering in Division 1 and under achieving perhaps OK - whoops just justified a case for Adam Lallanna to go then!

[Charlie Wayman]

As I understand the situation, Chamberlayne Senior insisted on AOC doing his apprenticeship at Saints because of the reputation built by our academy over the years as being one of the best if not THE best training situation for bringing on young talent. If true then it is unlikely that WE found AOC as a prospect for the future, so we would have few rights as such and probably loyalty to Saints is not an issue. We may have to accept that he was placed here in much the same way as a really bright kid gets placed at Oxford.

 

Then the only question to consider is "When is his apprenticeship over?"

 

It could be one season or two to really turn his learning skills into practical realisation. When does a trainee pilot get his wings - of course he has to fly solo more than once? When that time is up - 'we used to call it standing by Nellie' - and the boy is indeed a man, then he'll have no compunction about leaving his alma mater in much the same way as when most people graduating from Uni. never look back, only a very few dullards stay on etc.

 

Then the whole question of loyalty and fee is tested because in such a scenario why would we expect any fee at all except that to cover the cost of training him - so £250K is about all we could hope to get for that? In short. He ain't a Saint and is not ours to sell!

 

People need to understand the independent nature of the Academy and its role and the fact that it will be only the boys that WE discover for whom we could expect to extract a decent transfer fee.

 

I think AOC will stay for one more season after this and then be off if his progress is maintained but even then it will not be for a big fee if he has not signed a big money contract. My guess is his present contract is along the lines of two years further education plus an agreed release fee at the end, reflecting as I said before the cost of being trained by us.

[OldNick]

The difference is that now compared to when Walcott and Bale left is firstly we can hold out for a deal that suits us and secondly we can reinvest the money in the squad rather than using it to keep the wolf from the door. If Chamberlain goes for say £5m and this gets put back into the side, we have the ability to then sign 3-4 top chamionship level players without the Liebherrs having to dip into their pockets.

 

Our top players will always go onto the bigger clubs sooner or later, sooner the longer we are in this league and the CCC, being in the premier league might make them stay a little longer, if we were a midtable PL club would Bale have gone to Spurs who were similar at the time? Probably not. We could have had him for a few more years, he could have out in those performances for us then gone for a much bigger fee. £15-£20m gets you 3-4 decent PL players these days. Our top players will always leave, that is the nature of the modern game unfortunately, just got to hope we get the best deal and then use the money to improve the team.

Turkish, i'm not against him staying or leaving.

I believe that if he really wants to leave the club are helpless, it doesnt matter if he is on a 10year contract, the agents unsettle the player so much , that the club are forced to sell.

I have put elsewhere that I believe if we got 3m +adds on and the money s spent on the squad I would be happy.

[Window Cleaner]

I dont think he will go in Jan. Getting promoted this season will be the key to keeping AOC.

 

I'm sure he won't go to Liverpool anyway, they're supposed to be close to signing the Ivoirien Gervinho from Lille for a fair wedge.

If Liverpool were looking at us on Tuesday I doubt that it would be for AOC, Lallana maybe and Comolli was a known admirer of

a certain midfielder of ours who he may believe could be had on the cheap just now.Comolli likes French (and francophone) players, he took Kaboul and Taraabt to Spurs (and they both have the same agent as said midfielder of ours).

[Matthew Le God]

As I understand the situation, Chamberlayne Senior insisted on AOC doing his apprenticeship at Saints because of the reputation built by our academy over the years as being one of the best if not THE best training situation for bringing on young talent. If true then it is unlikely that WE found AOC as a prospect for the future, so we would have few rights as such and probably loyalty to Saints is not an issue. We may have to accept that he was placed here in much the same way as a really bright kid gets placed at Oxford.

 

Then the only question to consider is "When is his apprenticeship over?"

 

It could be one season or two to really turn his learning skills into practical realisation. When does a trainee pilot get his wings - of course he has to fly solo more than once? When that time is up - 'we used to call it standing by Nellie' - and the boy is indeed a man, then he'll have no compunction about leaving his alma mater in much the same way as when most people graduating from Uni. never look back, only a very few dullards stay on etc.

 

Then the whole question of loyalty and fee is tested because in such a scenario why would we expect any fee at all except that to cover the cost of training him - so £250K is about all we could hope to get for that? In short. He ain't a Saint and is not ours to sell!

 

People need to understand the independent nature of the Academy and its role and the fact that it will be only the boys that WE discover for whom we could expect to extract a decent transfer fee.

 

I think AOC will stay for one more season after this and then be off if his progress is maintained but even then it will not be for a big fee if he has not signed a big money contract. My guess is his present contract is along the lines of two years further education plus an agreed release fee at the end, reflecting as I said before the cost of being trained by us.

 

Have you forgotten Alex is 17 years old and signed a 3 year professional deal at Saints in August 2010 until June 2013?

 

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2128220,00.html

Edited 30 December, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Hopkins]

I'm sure he won't go to Liverpool anyway, they're supposed to be close to signing the Ivoirien Gervinho from Lille for a fair wedge.

If Liverpool were looking at us on Tuesday I doubt that it would be for AOC, Lallana maybe and Comolli was a known admirer of

a certain midfielder of ours who he may believe could be had on the cheap just now.Comolli likes French (and francophone) players, he took Kaboul and Taraabt to Spurs (and they both have the same agent as said midfielder of ours).

 

Seriously? Trust me, the only player on the pitch that will even be given a thought by Liverpool would be AOC. Lallana, Morgan, are nowhere near the quality needed to play for Liverpool. If they were, they'd be snapped up along time before now. Hence the reason you very rarely see clubs like Liverpool sign anyone from League One that is over 20.

 

Your criticism of Wilshere and belief that Liverpool might be interested in Lallana or Morgan are right up there with the most ridiculous comments seen on this forum this year.

 

Right up there with Torres not being able to do a job in League One.

[Window Cleaner]

Seriously? Trust me, the only player on the pitch that will even be given a thought by Liverpool would be AOC. Lallana, Morgan, are nowhere near the quality needed to play for Liverpool. If they were, they'd be snapped up along time before now. Hence the reason you very rarely see clubs like Liverpool sign anyone from League One that is over 20.

 

Your criticism of Wilshere and belief that Liverpool might be interested in Lallana or Morgan are right up there with the most ridiculous comments seen on this forum this year.

 

Right up there with Torres not being able to do a job in League One.

 

As you wish, we shall see what we shall see. This isn't old Liverpool, this is new Liverpool and Comolli is Comolli. As he's calling the shots you just don't know what to expect.Gervinho is no spring chicken yet they're(reportedly) going to pay 10 million £ for him.

[Tommy Mulgrew]

I thought AOC's father was a skate; if so, and if he pleced his son with us as suggested earlier today on this thread, loyalty to Saints is hardly likely to amount to as much as is needed to keep AOC here for very long.

[NickG]

The Sun have an article today - the top 10 players, under 20, from around the world, to make it onto the big stage in 2011.

 

 

No 10 - Alex Ox-C

 

 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3326149/Top-10-talents-for-2011-Football-wonderkids-and-future-stars.html

[saint_bert]

Lukaku really does look a special player.

[derry]

As I understand the situation, Chamberlayne Senior insisted on AOC doing his apprenticeship at Saints because of the reputation built by our academy over the years as being one of the best if not THE best training situation for bringing on young talent. If true then it is unlikely that WE found AOC as a prospect for the future, so we would have few rights as such and probably loyalty to Saints is not an issue. We may have to accept that he was placed here in much the same way as a really bright kid gets placed at Oxford.

 

Then the only question to consider is "When is his apprenticeship over?"

 

It could be one season or two to really turn his learning skills into practical realisation. When does a trainee pilot get his wings - of course he has to fly solo more than once? When that time is up - 'we used to call it standing by Nellie' - and the boy is indeed a man, then he'll have no compunction about leaving his alma mater in much the same way as when most people graduating from Uni. never look back, only a very few dullards stay on etc.

 

Then the whole question of loyalty and fee is tested because in such a scenario why would we expect any fee at all except that to cover the cost of training him - so £250K is about all we could hope to get for that? In short. He ain't a Saint and is not ours to sell!

 

People need to understand the independent nature of the Academy and its role and the fact that it will be only the boys that WE discover for whom we could expect to extract a decent transfer fee.

 

I think AOC will stay for one more season after this and then be off if his progress is maintained but even then it will not be for a big fee if he has not signed a big money contract. My guess is his present contract is along the lines of two years further education plus an agreed release fee at the end, reflecting as I said before the cost of being trained by us.

 

21/8/2010 signed a three year contract until Aug 2013. Besides he has been with the club since he was seven years of age.

[S-Clarke]

As I understand the situation, Chamberlayne Senior insisted on AOC doing his apprenticeship at Saints because of the reputation built by our academy over the years as being one of the best if not THE best training situation for bringing on young talent. If true then it is unlikely that WE found AOC as a prospect for the future, so we would have few rights as such and probably loyalty to Saints is not an issue. We may have to accept that he was placed here in much the same way as a really bright kid gets placed at Oxford.

 

Then the only question to consider is "When is his apprenticeship over?"

 

It could be one season or two to really turn his learning skills into practical realisation. When does a trainee pilot get his wings - of course he has to fly solo more than once? When that time is up - 'we used to call it standing by Nellie' - and the boy is indeed a man, then he'll have no compunction about leaving his alma mater in much the same way as when most people graduating from Uni. never look back, only a very few dullards stay on etc.

 

Then the whole question of loyalty and fee is tested because in such a scenario why would we expect any fee at all except that to cover the cost of training him - so £250K is about all we could hope to get for that? In short. He ain't a Saint and is not ours to sell!

 

People need to understand the independent nature of the Academy and its role and the fact that it will be only the boys that WE discover for whom we could expect to extract a decent transfer fee.

 

I think AOC will stay for one more season after this and then be off if his progress is maintained but even then it will not be for a big fee if he has not signed a big money contract. My guess is his present contract is along the lines of two years further education plus an agreed release fee at the end, reflecting as I said before the cost of being trained by us.

 

You really should stop posting.

[Dig Dig]

Saggy chops is getting involved now. Hope we get a good deal for him. A loan move back would be ideal if he does go now or in the summer.

 

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/4254/8/tottenham-join-arsenal-and-liverpool-chase-southampton-starlet

 

Realisitically, how much would you want for him? With a 3 year contract, I think around 5 million plus add on's would be good. If that sort of money is pumped into the team, thats alot of money at L1/Champ level

[Colinjb]

Saggy chops is getting involved now. Hope we get a good deal for him. A loan move back would be ideal if he does go now or in the summer.

 

http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/4254/8/tottenham-join-arsenal-and-liverpool-chase-southampton-starlet

 

Realisitically, how much would you want for him? With a 3 year contract, I think around 5 million plus add on's would be good. If that sort of money is pumped into the team, thats alot of money at L1/Champ level

 

6 million, with a 25% sell on clause and 18 month loan back.

 

Anything less would be unnacceptable.

[Dig Dig]

6 million, with a 25% sell on clause and 18 month loan back.

 

Anything less would be unnacceptable.

 

Very specific! Lets hope NC is reading ; )

[Um Bongo]

Redknapp can **** right off.

 

I would take £10m, loaned back for 2 seasons, 25% sell on clause, Additional £5m when full England international, further £5m after 10 goals in PL.

[trousers]

Nicola Cortese, 8th December 2010

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/9269293.stm

 

"I think we're in a very good position. We had a difficult start to the season but luckily the other teams are now beating each other. Now the teams ahead of us are closer and we're convinced that we're going to win this league."

Cortese added "he could not see any players leaving in January", including midfielders Adam Lallana, who has been linked with Birmingham, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is being trailed by Arsenal.

"I can't see a possibility we would sell Adam in January," said Cortese, "and Alex is not going to go anywhere - we're talking about a very young player in the first year of a professional contract.

 

"We'll have to cope with the rumours and we have to help the kid cope with the rumours. He's very well looked after and I don't think he'd wish to be anywhere else than here.

"We're very proud to see the progress he's made in such a short period [but] there's still a lot for him to learn, and he's aware of that. We've got a great prospect for the future, but not the transfer market."

 

Thread closed?

[Colinjb]

Thread closed?

 

Would love to think so, but doubt it.

[Chez]

it hurts just thinking about him leaving as it did for Bridge, Walcott and Bale. Top top talent like this may not be seen at SMS again for a very long time indeed. We have been extremely fortunate to have seen one, never mind three (or four if you include Bridge) absolute top notch players in recent times. As good as our scouting system has been it doesn't mean it will continue to find world class talent. Personally I'd like to see him complete the full three years here and by then he will be worth a fortune and even a tribunal will guarentee us a massive wedge. Never gonna happen though.

[Chez]

Nicola Cortese, 8th December 2010

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/9269293.stm

 

"I think we're in a very good position. We had a difficult start to the season but luckily the other teams are now beating each other. Now the teams ahead of us are closer and we're convinced that we're going to win this league."

Cortese added "he could not see any players leaving in January", including midfielders Adam Lallana, who has been linked with Birmingham, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is being trailed by Arsenal.

"I can't see a possibility we would sell Adam in January," said Cortese, "and Alex is not going to go anywhere - we're talking about a very young player in the first year of a professional contract.

 

"We'll have to cope with the rumours and we have to help the kid cope with the rumours. He's very well looked after and I don't think he'd wish to be anywhere else than here.

"We're very proud to see the progress he's made in such a short period [but] there's still a lot for him to learn, and he's aware of that. We've got a great prospect for the future, but not the transfer market."

 

Thread closed?

 

been a while since a chairman could dictate a players career and it won't here either. If he wants to go he will. You can't keep a player if he wants a move.

[Chez]

Redknapp can **** right off.

 

I would take £10m, loaned back for 2 seasons, 25% sell on clause, Additional £5m when full England international, further £5m after 10 goals in PL.

 

now you are talking. If I was Cortese I'd be trying desperately to extend the lads contract by another two years.

[NickG]

Nicola Cortese, 8th December 2010

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/9269293.stm

 

"I think we're in a very good position. We had a difficult start to the season but luckily the other teams are now beating each other. Now the teams ahead of us are closer and we're convinced that we're going to win this league."

Cortese added "he could not see any players leaving in January", including midfielders Adam Lallana, who has been linked with Birmingham, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is being trailed by Arsenal.

"I can't see a possibility we would sell Adam in January," said Cortese, "and Alex is not going to go anywhere - we're talking about a very young player in the first year of a professional contract.

 

"We'll have to cope with the rumours and we have to help the kid cope with the rumours. He's very well looked after and I don't think he'd wish to be anywhere else than here.

"We're very proud to see the progress he's made in such a short period [but] there's still a lot for him to learn, and he's aware of that. We've got a great prospect for the future, but not the transfer market."

 

Thread closed?

 

been a while since a chairman could dictate a players career and it won't here either. If he wants to go he will. You can't keep a player if he wants a move.

 

agree, but that is more with summer window, in Janaury players don't have as much time to go off on a sulk.

 

He probably will (and probably should) leave us within 18 months but having said that wouldn't be surprised if he stays for this window

[Dig Dig]

it hurts just thinking about him leaving as it did for Bridge, Walcott and Bale. Top top talent like this may not be seen at SMS again for a very long time indeed. We have been extremely fortunate to have seen one, never mind three (or four if you include Bridge) absolute top notch players in recent times. As good as our scouting system has been it doesn't mean it will continue to find world class talent. Personally I'd like to see him complete the full three years here and by then he will be worth a fortune and even a tribunal will guarentee us a massive wedge. Never gonna happen though.

 

Despite what NC has said he'll go sooner rather than later. Once the big guns get involved and the nationals are all over it then it really is matter of time. It would be sad to see another great prospect leave but at the right price, I don't think it would undermine the plan to get back to the prem. He is a talent, no doubt but at the moment he isn't irreplacable and the money being tauted around would be enough to build a Championship winning side on it's own.

[Alanh]

I would think all of the Prem clubs are looking at AOC, not just the ones mentioned. if he is appearing in a Sun top 10 list then he's hardly under the radar for anyone. They will all be looking at him as a future prospect that complies with the English player rule and who can be given a season or two's education at the new club before being asked to make an impact in the first team. Liverpool's reported interest in Gervinho is not going to impact on their interest in AOC one little bit as Window Cleaner suggests.

 

FWIW I think he will see out the season here and then move to the Prem in the summer, hopefully with a league winners medal under his belt. At least we are in a position to drive a hard bargain and will be able to reinvest in the squad for the new season. I'd be happy with a £4M fee plus add ons based on achievements.

[trousers]

If we get a shed load of cash for Alex won't that have the negative effect of clubs inflating the price tags they have put on the other players we are tracking? Worst case is we sell Alex for a great price but then end up with no replacement(s) because Cortese refuses to be taken for a ride...

[SFKA South Woodford]

Despite what NC has said he'll go sooner rather than later. Once the big guns get involved and the nationals are all over it then it really is matter of time. It would be sad to see another great prospect leave but at the right price, I don't think it would undermine the plan to get back to the prem. He is a talent, no doubt but at the moment he isn't irreplacable and the money being tauted around would be enough to build a Championship winning side on it's own.

 

It would set us back if Ox leaves, there is no point in Cortese saying that he wants to model the team on Barcelona, if we then go and sell our best prospect. What kind of a message does that send out to the young players the club is looking to attract? Besides which, he is our only wide player with pace, so him leaving would have an immediate detrimental effect on the team.

 

Cortese and Adkins have to fight tooth and nail to keep him here for the next couple of seasons at least and then try to get him to sign a contract extension, as they continue to build a team of the cream of the nations talent.

 

If he does let his head get turned, then Chelsea will probably be his destination as he said in the matchday programme that he has supported them since he was a kid.

Should that be the case then £10 million plus sell on and add ons should be the fee, as although he isn't as quick as Theo, he does have more bottle and better close control than Theo, as evidenced by the Bournemouth game earlier this season, when he emerged from between five of their players with the ball in an act of breathtaking skill.

[Dig Dig]

It would set us back if Ox leaves, there is no point in Cortese saying that he wants to model the team on Barcelona, if we then go and sell our best prospect. What kind of a message does that send out to the young players the club is looking to attract? Besides which, he is our only wide player with pace, so him leaving would have an immediate detrimental effect on the team.

 

Cortese and Adkins have to fight tooth and nail to keep him here for the next couple of seasons at least and then try to get him to sign a contract extension, as they continue to build a team of the cream of the nations talent.

 

If he does let his head get turned, then Chelsea will probably be his destination as he said in the matchday programme that he has supported them since he was a kid.

Should that be the case then £10 million plus sell on and add ons should be the fee, as although he isn't as quick as Theo, he does have more bottle and better close control than Theo, as evidenced by the Bournemouth game earlier this season, when he emerged from between five of their players with the ball in an act of breathtaking skill.

 

Good point re the Barcelona vision but the reality is we're not Barcelona and whilst that is NC's vision it probably isn't shared by the player or his skate agent of a dad.

 

I know that if we lost him, we would suffer but only if we didn't replace him. There are very good pacey wingers out there who could do a job. Our immediate aim is get into the prem and with any potential transfer money pumped back into the team, I can't see it disrupting that goal

[Joensuu]

IMO, good as AOC is, he is no Walcott or Bale. At 15 both Walcott and Bale were easily the best players on the pitch. They stood out as being head and shoulders above anyone else in the Championship. AOC is good, don't get me wrong, but he's not head and shoulders above the rest of our squad, he doesn't single handedly take control of games like Walcott and Bale both could. I might be wrong, but I can't see Alex playing regularly in the top-half of the premier league. He's good, but has a long way to go before he will be premier quality.

Having said that, we won't easily be able to replace him. Money alone can't persuade players of his calibre to sign for a League one outfit. As such, while I think he's only worth say £5m, I think in our position we can afford to hold out for a lot more. I'd bite at £8m.

[OldNick]

it hurts just thinking about him leaving as it did for Bridge, Walcott and Bale. Top top talent like this may not be seen at SMS again for a very long time indeed. We have been extremely fortunate to have seen one, never mind three (or four if you include Bridge) absolute top notch players in recent times. As good as our scouting system has been it doesn't mean it will continue to find world class talent. Personally I'd like to see him complete the full three years here and by then he will be worth a fortune and even a tribunal will guarentee us a massive wedge. Never gonna happen though.

I think we have a few good prospects down the line a bit. At least 1 youngster is apparently training with the first team

[Rory]

RE the Barca comparison. We're never going to get a team that's full of class players that have come through our academy. The reason why Barca were able to do it was because they're one of the most famous clubs in world football. Every youngster is going to want to play for them. Southampton are simply not going to be in that position, unless we spend heavy to get ourselves to the top and establish ourselves as a name/force.

 

As good as Chamberlain is, there's not point hoping he's going to stay. He isn't, he'll be with a Premier League team next season.

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

Good point re the Barcelona vision but the reality is we're not Barcelona and whilst that is NC's vision it probably isn't shared by the player or his skate agent of a dad.

 

 

To be fair, his Dad did refuse to take Alex to Pompey even though he worked there because he knew what was best for the lad.

[Dig Dig]

To be fair, his Dad did refuse to take Alex to Pompey even though he worked there because he knew what was best for the lad.

 

True but it now seems that his Dad is trying hard to get a move to a big prem club. Think there was an article a couple of months ago in a local popey rag whereby he explains the reasons why he chose saints. He also mentions playing for a top club and it seems the interest in the national press has escalated from there.

[Smirking_Saint]

As far as the Barca connection Rory i understand your point but at this point in time we probably have the best youth set up by a long way on the south coast and perhaps only bettered by Arsenal/Chelsea for that reason we stand in good stead to get the best youth talent in the south anyways as well as being a good location to live (south coast in general)

 

Of course it means that in the whole country it makes it a tad harder but then travel,accomodation etc etc comes into in then.

 

I think we have put ourselves in a good position and TBF considering we seem to consistantly bring players into the game at decent levels (blackstock, Mills, Walcott, Bridge, Surman etc etc) it only helps to improve the reputation and this will always help to secure youth targets.

[Saint_clark]

IMO, good as AOC is, he is no Walcott or Bale. At 15 both Walcott and Bale were easily the best players on the pitch. They stood out as being head and shoulders above anyone else in the Championship. AOC is good, don't get me wrong, but he's not head and shoulders above the rest of our squad, he doesn't single handedly take control of games like Walcott and Bale both could. I might be wrong, but I can't see Alex playing regularly in the top-half of the premier league. He's good, but has a long way to go before he will be premier quality.

Having said that, we won't easily be able to replace him. Money alone can't persuade players of his calibre to sign for a League one outfit. As such, while I think he's only worth say £5m, I think in our position we can afford to hold out for a lot more. I'd bite at £8m.

 

Walcott never really "controlled" games for us, and Bale was 17/18 when he was running riot in the Championship.

[maysie]

Tottenham have now joined Liverpool, Fulham and Arsenal in the race for Southampton's 17-year-old midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain . (talkSPORT)

 

Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Tottenham-plot-player-swap-deal-for-Newcastle-striker-Andy-Carroll-Chelsea-eye-Serbian-stopper-Neven-Subotic-and-Juventus-target-Tottenham-star-Gareth-Bale-Rumours-and-gossip-from-Wednesday-s-papers-article664755.html#ixzz1ABfWGTNP

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[Cabrone]

He'll be gone either now or at the end of the season if any of the big boys stump up the cash. I just hope we can keep him till the end of the season.

 

On another note I read this on that mirror page

 

Tottenham are ready to offer £22m or Robbie Keane, David Bentley and Niko Kranjcar to Newcastle in exchange for young England striker Andy Carroll.

 

22M for Carroll? Decent enough player but that's nuttier than a bar of fruit and nuts.

[derry]

I can see several problems for clubs wanting to unsettle and shift Chamberlain. We don't need the money. Cortese isn't going to be dictated to by anyone, if Chamberlain goes against him, he may well end up not playing for anybody until 2013/14 season at the end of his contract. He isn't going to be cheap and Cortese doesn't believe in the never never. £10m could mean 'cash on the nail or don't waste my time', we now pay up front for transfers due to the Leibherr no debt principles.

 

Cortese will decide where and when Chamberlain goes and the benefit to the club will be the only criteria. I wouldn't want to be the first player to suddenly find at this club the usual shenanigans won't work.

[Charlie Wayman]

Nicola Cortese has emphasised that we are no longer a selling club.

 

If Chamberlain or Lallana are sold it would be a serious breach of trust between we fans and the ownership, confirming that all the rhetoric and hyperbole about returning to our rightful place in the Premier League within (now) 3 1/2 years was nothing but brazen barefaced bull**** from the start. This would be one hell of a gamble on the part of the ownership as nobody would ever believe another word they spoke. It just wouldn't do to say "we had no choice as the player wanted to go... "

 

I once vowed that if Lowe returned I would not set foot in the ground again whilst he remained involved - I was true to my word.

 

If these two players are sold, I will be gone for good and there will be plenty more like me.

[derry]

Nicola Cortese has emphasised that we are no longer a selling club.

 

If Chamberlain or Lallana are sold it would be a serious breach of trust between we fans and the ownership, confirming that all the rhetoric and hyperbole about returning to our rightful place in the Premier League within (now) 3 1/2 years was nothing but brazen barefaced bull**** from the start. This would be one hell of a gamble on the part of the ownership as nobody would ever believe another word they spoke. It just wouldn't do to say "we had no choice as the player wanted to go... "

 

I once vowed that if Lowe returned I would not set foot in the ground again whilst he remained involved - I was true to my word.

 

If these two players are sold, I will be gone for good and there will be plenty more like me.

 

Unlikely, but Lallana could go as he is out of contract at the end of the season. If a good offer came now, against the alternative of the player wanting to go and tribunal compensation.,

[Saintandy666]

Nicola Cortese has emphasised that we are no longer a selling club.

 

If Chamberlain or Lallana are sold it would be a serious breach of trust between we fans and the ownership, confirming that all the rhetoric and hyperbole about returning to our rightful place in the Premier League within (now) 3 1/2 years was nothing but brazen barefaced bull**** from the start. This would be one hell of a gamble on the part of the ownership as nobody would ever believe another word they spoke. It just wouldn't do to say "we had no choice as the player wanted to go... "

 

I once vowed that if Lowe returned I would not set foot in the ground again whilst he remained involved - I was true to my word.

 

If these two players are sold, I will be gone for good and there will be plenty more like me.

 

What a ridiculous statement.

[Gingeletiss]

Nicola Cortese has emphasised that we are no longer a selling club.

 

If Chamberlain or Lallana are sold it would be a serious breach of trust between we fans and the ownership, confirming that all the rhetoric and hyperbole about returning to our rightful place in the Premier League within (now) 3 1/2 years was nothing but brazen barefaced bull**** from the start. This would be one hell of a gamble on the part of the ownership as nobody would ever believe another word they spoke. It just wouldn't do to say "we had no choice as the player wanted to go... "

 

I once vowed that if Lowe returned I would not set foot in the ground again whilst he remained involved - I was true to my word.

 

If these two players are sold, I will be gone for good and there will be plenty more like me.

 

Well goodbye then, Highbury beckons!

 

FWIW NC may not have a say in it, in this age of football, once a player wants out, then he's gone, simple.

[NickG]

Nicola Cortese has emphasised that we are no longer a selling club.

 

If Chamberlain or Lallana are sold it would be a serious breach of trust between we fans and the ownership, confirming that all the rhetoric and hyperbole about returning to our rightful place in the Premier League within (now) 3 1/2 years was nothing but brazen barefaced bull**** from the start. This would be one hell of a gamble on the part of the ownership as nobody would ever believe another word they spoke. It just wouldn't do to say "we had no choice as the player wanted to go... "

 

I once vowed that if Lowe returned I would not set foot in the ground again whilst he remained involved - I was true to my word.

 

If these two players are sold, I will be gone for good and there will be plenty more like me.

 

 

no, just you. Did you ever get over Danny Wallace going to Man U?

[Katalinic]

Nicola Cortese has emphasised that we are no longer a selling club.

 

If Chamberlain or Lallana are sold it would be a serious breach of trust between we fans and the ownership, confirming that all the rhetoric and hyperbole about returning to our rightful place in the Premier League within (now) 3 1/2 years was nothing but brazen barefaced bull**** from the start. This would be one hell of a gamble on the part of the ownership as nobody would ever believe another word they spoke. It just wouldn't do to say "we had no choice as the player wanted to go... "

 

I once vowed that if Lowe returned I would not set foot in the ground again whilst he remained involved - I was true to my word.

 

If these two players are sold, I will be gone for good and there will be plenty more like me.

 

There is a difference between being a selling club and a player wanting to go - whereas under previous regimes we have actively touted players in order to balance the books/pay dividends to shareholders I am sure we are not doing this with either AOC or AL. However, if a player wants to go in this day and age then he will get his way - best to accept it, get the optimum deal, invest the money in replacements and move on. As for no longer going just because a player is sold - behave.

[Chez]

IMO, good as AOC is, he is no Walcott or Bale. At 15 both Walcott and Bale were easily the best players on the pitch. They stood out as being head and shoulders above anyone else in the Championship. AOC is good, don't get me wrong, but he's not head and shoulders above the rest of our squad, he doesn't single handedly take control of games like Walcott and Bale both could.

Bale yes, but when did Walcott take charge of games when playing for us? He certainly lit up a game but Chamberlain does that also. People should not under estimate the quality of this lad. He is top notch and finding a `pacey replacement' is not going to be easy. Losing him could seriously effect our rise through the divisions because he could do some serious damage in the championship next season. Tell me what winger is going to be available to us that will do that?