SOUTHAMPTON BOSS RONALD Koeman insists he will not be selling anyone this month despite the arrival of Charlie Austin from QPR.
The signing of the 26-year-old has prompted speculation that Koeman could consider cashing in on Shane Long, who has been linked with Liverpool, or reported Manchester United target Sadio Mane.
But the former Barcelona defender is adamant there will no exits between now and February, telling the media on Thursday:
“We brought one player in and nobody will go out. I keep that until 31 January. You know my answer but maybe I have to repeat it 80 times more.”
Koeman confirmed Austin could make his debut in Saturday’s trip to face Manchester United after being impressed with his application since his move, and has backed him to force his way into the England set-up this year.
“He’s very hungry, he wants to play at the highest level,” he said. “He wants to develop, he’s still only 26, and he’d like to get back in the national team.
“People come to Southampton knowing they can get involved in national teams – Jose Fonte and Graziano Pelle got theirs aged 29. It’s interesting for players to come to Southampton, they know they will improve and develop.
We signed him because he has played and scored in the Premier League. He’s at a fantastic age to make a new start and he gives us competition at the front of our team.
“I was a little worried because Charlie had a hamstring injury before we signed him, but he had all the medical tests and took part in all the training sessions this week.
“We had to test him to know he is available and on his fitness tests he is as good as the rest of the players. I wasn’t expecting it so quickly but it’s nice to be surprised. He will be in the squad this weekend.”
Great season for Irish and Leinster rugby. Leinster are in a very special place at the moment in terms of the coaches, players and backing they have. I can see a few more trophies for them in the next couple of seasons for them. Nothing left to say but congratulations.
@Dave Barry: we are a bit behind at the moment but so is everyone else. Well done Leinster
@Dave Barry: cheers Dave. Classy comment. Good man.
What a season!
@Stephan Antuma: A bittersweet day for Leinnster would probably be the best way to describe it
@eric qualen: Rochelle, nothing bitter sweet about it unless you are are a bitter Munster troll.
I hope you enjoyed that as much as you enjoyed Leinster winning a 4th European Cup.
Larmour try was worth admision money. the kick, the pickup, the try. what a season for Leinster.
@Ardmore02: felt he definitely should have been man of the match instead of Sexton.
@Sam Harms: Don’t think so! Brilliance from Larmour for his try. But Jonny Sexton. After that hit to the head, he showed his genius in his kick to touch for Cronin’s try. He pulls the strings! He drives us forward. The man is incredible! Great day though!!!!
@Sam Harms: get a grip, he picked the ball off the ground like he does everyday at training. Sexton on the other hand bossed the game. If you think one moment of magic outweighs a masterclass performance shows what you know!
@blindside: not one moment of magic he made some great tackles during the game too. Lowe was up there in man of the match territory too, he had another great game. Just what I think no need to tell me to get a grip.
@blindside: ah calm down it was a great team performamce. to be honest at half time I was jumping up and down with sextons quick pass to lowe. now that was magic. alot of great performances fro. pro14 and champions cup champions.
@blindside: Sexton was man of the match but Larmour did more than that pick up. He was great defensively and had Halfpenny and Evens shitting it whenever a high ball went up
@Sam Harms: nah I think Sexton deserved MOTM, but that LARMOUR was a try of the championship type moment.
That pick up !!!
Some achievement winning champions cup and pro in the same season. Before they only had the pro final after the European final this time they had to play the pro semi afterwards as well
So happy great day,in the Beggars pinting with Scots
@rugbyanbeer:
You were looking forward to your day. Enjoy