There’s nothing the big boys like more than hoovering up young talent, and if they can destabilise a top four rival in the process, all the better. These lads are likely to be on a fair few radars when the window opens.
10. Callum Chambers
The England u19 captain filled in at right back for the injured Nathaniel Clyne at the start of the season and looked impressive. Unfortunately for him, Clyne’s been even more impressive since coming back in to the side so he’s since been limited to the odd cup and substitute appearance. The argument generally goes that if a young player is getting regular first team football where they are then they’re better off staying put. That’s not the case here so maybe a place on Chelsea, Man Utd or Arsenal’s bench would be more appealing than one on Southampton’s?
9. Adam Lallana
No sooner had Jay Rodriguez been called up by England he was getting linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. It was altogether more quiet for Lallana on the rumour front, but the skipper has been there through it all. You sense that after sticking out the bad times (relegation, administration, League One football) he’ll want to enjoy the good. That won’t stop the admiring glances though.
8. Dejan Lovren
After eleven games last season Southampton had conceded 29 goals, at the same stage this year they’ve conceded 5. There are probably a few reasons for that but right now the £8.5m summer arrival from Lyon looks to be the biggest. He’s even made Jose Fonte look a decent Premier League defender! Just 6 months after joining, it’s probably too soon to be talking about a move, but he looks a class act.
7. Jack Cork
The former England u21 international and Team GB squad member was one of the Saints’ better performers last season, but he’s found game-time hard to come by since the summer arrival of Victor Wanyama. Not likely to be in the thoughts of the big boys, but he’s more than good enough for a side lower down the table. West Brom or Villa perhaps?
6. Gaston Ramirez
The young Uruguay international came with a big reputation when he joined from Bologna in 2012. There were some flickers of quality under Nigel Adkins but he’s not had much of a look-in under Pochettino, the impression being that he’s simply not suited to the new man’s energetic, high-pressing style. Still highly thought of in Italy though, and a January move to either Napoli or Inter has been mentioned.
5. James Ward-Prowse
Matt Le Tissier has compared him to David Beckham, and if you’ve seen him whip in a cross, corner or free kick then you’ll understand why. He’s currently with Luke Shaw in the England u21 squad and has just as much chance (if not more, so many left backs!) as his team-mate of progressing to the seniors at some stage. There won’t be a shortage of interest come January, but he’ll likely choose regular football at St Marys over a place on a more illustrious bench.
4. Nathaniel Clyne
Solid in defence, but generally more involved further up the pitch thanks to the high line. Roy Hodgson has said he’s in his thoughts for a senior call-up and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be. Are Glen Johnson or Kyle Walker really much better? At 22, he’s a bit longer in the tooth than the likes of Shaw and Ward-Prowse, and therefore probably more open to a move should one of the big boys come calling.
3. Morgan Schneiderlin
Like Lallana, Schneiderlin was there throughout the bad times. But while the former looked a world-beater in League One and the Championship, the Frenchman has only really fulfilled his potential since the Saints’ returned to the top flight. It seems the higher the level he plays at, the better he looks, and his tackling, interception and pass completion stats back that up. Touted for a France call-up, and he’d surely improve Arsenal, Liverpool or Man Utd’s midfield.
2. Jay Rodriguez
Young, in the England squad, scoring a few… hot property, obviously. Arsenal and Liverpool have already been linked, more will follow.
1. Luke Shaw
Would probably be in the England squad too if he played in any other position. Unfortunately for him he’s got Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines and Kieran Gibbs standing in his way. Still only 18 though, so time is on his side. Already been linked with pretty much everyone over the last year or so, next Gareth Bale and all that… He'll probably stay put for now but that doesn't mean there won't be clubs having a go.
It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that Arsenal had to pay £15m for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at a time when he hadn’t played above League One level, so none of these are likely to come cheap.
You reckon any of them will go in January?
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