Koeman threatens Saints who try to force transfers

Louis van Gaal’s interest in the 23-year-old was rebuffed during the previous transfer window but Koeman’s decision to drop Mane for the defeat to Norwich City has reignited speculation of a January exit. “That’s not the way to do your job as a football player”.

Southampton could look to cash in on Wanyama in the summer if he opts not to pen a new St Mary’s deal, mirroring the process with Morgan Schneiderlin, who joined Manchester United last summer.

“It’s too easy to say after mistakes that players are showing they would like to move”, said Koeman.

Southampton registered their highest-ever Premier League finish of seventh under Koeman last term, but have failed to reprise that form this term.

“I’m sure Southampton are in a strong financial position to resist a bid so it’s whether the player really has his heart at Southampton”. There’s no reason to doubt that.

England goalkeeper Fraser Forster is closing on a return after nine months out recovering from knee surgery – but Koeman said Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash with Crystal Palace will come too soon.

“Koeman said: “[He is] on a good level.

Pardew believes the FA Cup is still of great importance to all the clubs and that teams focus on the cup games as much as they concentrate on the league.

“I don’t like talking about names, about players”, he stated, saying he wouldn’t do so as such players “play for a team” already.

Graziano Pellè, Shane Long and Sadio Mané are the only players to have scored more than five times in all competitions so far this season, with Italy global Pellè leading the way with just seven goals. “But that will start after Monday”.