the saint in winchester

The Liverpool fan here in the office, who I quote from time to time, says that if they offer 100M EUR Liverpool WILL take it. He is fine with that as they have Mane and Salah this season. The reality is that Coutinho is still just a squad player. Mane is their preferred option and they struggle to fit them both in. In the same way we struggle to play Boufal and Tadic in the same team. It can be done, but similar type players.

Sorry, I don't understand what he DOES do. He has played only 95 games since 1999. Is he really only for training purposes? Do other clubs feature a non-playing keeper? Odd.

I would suggest he is (or was) on his way to achieving that with Southampton. He could have been a Saints legend, like MLT. He won't achieve all the above with Liverpool or indeed any top club who hire and fire, rotate their team etc. He is an automatic choice on the Saints team sheet, he wouldn't be that anywhere else. He needs to imagine himself at age 40. Does he want to reflect on being a legend, appreciated everywhere he goes like MLT, or does he want to be a well paid gun for hire going from club to club, but maybe missing key games because he didn't get on the pitch. Think about it, Virgil. Which means more - your name or your bank balance?

And Flash Gordon Watson is right, that as of today, Liverpool are not likely Premier League winners. However, they will argue that by adding quality such as VVD they hope to be in that number. But right now, he could do better than Liverpool.

I've just checked her out (online), and I'd also like to slap in a bid.

Chelsea are keen to sign Southampton pair Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand after missing out on Danilo and Benjamin Mendy. (Daily Star) Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will get a further £150m to spend in the summer, with Southampton's Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk and Juventus and Brazil left-back Alex Sandro, both 26, top of the list. (Daily Mirror) According to this, Chelsea after Soares, VVD and Bertrand. We could be starting with a brand new back four, if this comes to pass.

Good question. Think it just a 6 month contract, wasn't it? Bit like the Cacares one. But no comment from the club either way. Is he still around?

DAILY ECHO Mauricio Pellegrino is eyeing potential new signings as he looks to add to his Saints squad this summer. The new St Mary's boss admits it has been difficult to fully assess the assets at his disposal with extended holidays due to international games meaning some players have not yet returned for pre-season.

Then we have to stop buying binkies and assess a player properly.

That's true. Although, he may be able to claim he did have an intention to keep it at the time of signing it but now wants to go as a larger club have declared an interest. However, you are certainly correct in that we should think less of VVD, not less of LR.

We would all love 1) above to happen. But will it? Like Angelman, I am pragmatic. It's wrong that Liverpool were able to court VVD and then back away. But they were able to, by publicly apologizing and then looking sheepish. I am not one of those who would take £50M off a Chelsea/other rather than £75M off Liverpool. Just sell to the highest bidder. If that's Liverpool, so be it. Stop demonising Les Reed. He has to do what is best for the Club. And keeping a disgruntled non-performing player on the payroll at £90k a week is not what is best. In order of preference: 1) Come to an agreement with VVD, have him play in a professional manner. 2) Sell to highest bidder and buy replacement. If it's Liverpool as highest bidder, ensure Sakho is part of PX deal.

Always happy to open a link which includes a pic of Anne Hathaway.

I have always felt the transfer window should close 31st July. It's crazy to have the season in play with the prospect of having key players leaving over the next month.

This made me smile

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/15425951.Gao__Liebherr_having__second_thoughts__on_Saints_takeover/?ref=mac

So, Echo says we are NOT in talks, SSN understands we ARE in talks. Take your choice. I'll go with the Echo.

Just up on SSN: SAINTS IN VIETTO TALKS Southampton are in talks to sign striker Luciano Vietto from Atletico Madrid, according to Sky sources. We understand the Saints may have to lose one of their current forwards to facilitate the move for Vietto, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla. After Jay Rodriguez moved to West Brom earlier this month, Southampton still have Charlie Austin, Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini on their books.

Matic available for €40M (£35M) Now there's a DM who would improve us!

Looks like Swansea are playing the hand with Sigurdsson that we are playing with Van Dijk. Name a price, but if anyone suggests they will pay it, then put the price up and see if they pay that. Sigurdsson is good, but I would drop out at £30M. Still, it's not my money anyway.

Apparently Plymouth can't afford him ....so he may have to lower his wage demands or sit still until his Cardiff deal expires. Would love to see him back, but agree his time is gone.

He seems a bit too similar to Vardy IMHO. I can see them bumping into each other. Much better to come to Southampton.

When he was elected, I said he wouldn't last a year. I stand by that. There will be combustion by then.

If he's really in talks with West Ham (as SSN suggest) then one look at the league table will convince him going to Southampton would be a better option. Unless all he is interested in is £££££ on his pay packet?

Would definitely be smiling if we were to at least bid for Javier Hernandez.

Has he been seen yet? This is getting like the Skacel saga!!