Sidney Fudpucker the 3rd

We'll really struggle to replace Toby but Van Dijk looks like a great option. I reckon there'll be a few Prem clubs in for him. Sunderland and Newcastle are already being linked. Interesting talking to Cody Cropper last night about the Toby deal. He reckons that Toby definitely wanted to sign for us and that Les Reed's comments about the player preferring Spurs over Saints was the easy option to tell the fans. The stumbling block was that Saints were being asked to pay more money than originally agreed in the form of paying up the remainder of his contract at AM. We weren't prepared to do that and Spurs were. I questioned why we'd gone back with a vastly improved offer if we weren't happy about paying more than agreed and he said, Koeman really wanted him but it was too late as Spurs had already agreed to AM's demands. He talked openly about the way Southampton work and how thorough they are in transfer dealings. He said, Nothing ever happens quickly at Southampton because they are a very cautious club. They've been caught out in the past so won't just buy players to add depth to the squad. They want to know everything about who they're signing, their past, their personal life, everything. This led on to a discussion about Artur and Dani. He said there's no doubt about Artur's ability but he's a complete headcase. His mentality just didn't fit with what the club are trying to achieve. When I said 'I guess it's the same with Dani' he just shook his head and said 'He was just a lunatic, he had to go'.

I'm not convinced that Lovren or Lallana have bettered themselves by leaving.

Ha ha ha. The sarcastic, 'First time for everything' comment would suggest otherwise. I didn't know how to pronounce his name, that's why I asked someone who's Dutch. ;-)

Cropper said exactly that. His words were, 'Mauricio was running things then and he felt we had too many similar young players. He always had plans to bring in more established names'. Reeves came on in the 2nd half. He changed the game. Great work rate and some superb deliveries from set pieces. Said he was sad to leave as he'd been at Saints since he was 9. Now lives in MK and is enjoying being there. I asked if he was still in touch with many people at Saints and he laughed and said 'I would be but they keep selling everyone'.

WTF is that supposed to mean? I've never made bold claims about being ITK. I've simply passed on snippets of info where possible. It's your choice if you choose to believe them of not. Tonight I was at a friendly in Ireland between Cabinteely and MK Dons. I spoke to Ben Reeves and Cody Cropper. Cody talked openly about players who've moved on. I asked about Jack Cork and he said that Saints offered to double his wages and were very keen to keep him. He actually went to Swansea for lower wages than Saints had offered because they guaranteed first team football. I realise this isn't breaking news but all I'm doing is passing on things that may be of interest. I'm sure you'd do the same?

Watched Ben Reeves tonight. He played most of the second half for MK Dons. Great player who was at the centre of everything. Reminded me of JWP with his deliveries. Cody Cropper was saying that he thinks he's as equally gifted as Lallana and JWP. Be interesting to see if he ever makes the step back up to a Prem team.

The Mrs is Dutch. She says it's Clar-sy

£7m seems like a great price. Now let's get the defence strengthened.

In other news. I'm currently watching Cabinteeley v MK Dons. Just had a good chat with Ben Reeves and Cody Cropper. Some great Artur stories from Cody. Also interesting to hear how much effort went into trying to keep Jack Cork!

Seriously, do I really need to put a ;-) every time I make a tongue-in-cheek comment.

I wouldn't have described him as box-to-box but at least his post was positive and upbeat. :-)

At least some people on here are capable of making a comment that isn't sarcastic or insulting.

No. I'm just amazed at the number of experts we have on here, most of whom have probably never seen Clasie kick a ball.

And you're certain that Clasie is???

£7m? £8m? £10m? Should've just kept Jack Cork.

The Dutch press seem to think we are but that could just be speculation as RK has expressed an interest in the past.

I think this is far from done. I'm half expecting Spurs to come in with a late bid. I know he's said he wants CL football but stranger things have happened.

I don't think we'll be anywhere near 7th. Just look at the teams who've qualified for the Europa League in the past. All of them have suffered a severe dip in form in the Prem. Add in the loss of Clyne, Toby and probably Morgan and we're facing a real challenge. Yes, we'll sign replacements but we're talking about replacing the best RB in England and one of best centre backs and midfielders in Europe. I really don't see us finishing in the top half this time.

We did incredibly well to achieve what we did last season after so many departures, however, I honestly believe it'll be a different story this year. Clyne, Toby & Morgan will be a far greater loss than Lovren, Lallana and Lambert. Add in the injuries to Forster and Bertrand and I think we've got a real problem. I know there's going to be some new additions but the chance of replacing and improving for a second term is very slim.

Just spoke to a couple of the Mrs' family in Holland. There seems to be a real air of confusion as to how Martina has achieved a move to Saints. Nobody seems to have a decent word to say about him. He really is considered as a bit of a joke. I was also told that the Dutch papers are saying that RK wants 'Ron Beton' (Concrete Ron Vlaar). I guess that's just the press speculating as Koeman expressed an interest last year.

Firstly, I'm not your 'Pal'. Secondly, people are bound to say more at this time of the year as there's this thing called the transfer window and it generates quite a lot of press and general interest and excitement.

What? 50 bits of inside information??? I don't think so. What is the ****ing problem with this forum? We all follow the same team yet the majority of people on here just seem intent on starting arguments with people who they don't know.

When did I ever say I had a source at every club??? Nothing like blowing things out of proportion is there??? For the record, I did know a director at Saints - He's not there now. I know a coach who works for Fulham and used to be at Liverpool. I also know his brother who is head of nutrition at Man City. A good friend works in the press office at WHL and I know ex-manager, Dave Bassett. Hope that makes things a little clearer for you?

What are you talking about you moron? When have I posted 'regular' inside scoops? I've probably posted less than 10 comments on here in the last 6 months.

Funny how that's also being reported in certain sections of the press so he's probably just read the same thing as me and is trying to make out that he has some inside information. :-/