So called big club, you got to laugh, they win nothing and get knocked out of Europe at an early stage just like us, except we don't say were a big club, personally as a footballer he is shocking but as a barn door he is massive so if we get 20 mill I suggest we get Javi Martinez and Luca Biglia for that sort of money, and both internationals, it would certainly put a smile on our faces, coyr

Well, it will be an opportunity for somebody else. I don't see that RK can play Davis, Reed and Juanmi across the midfield and, apart from Romeau who else has any height. Maybe the much maligned but ubiquitous Yoshida will oblige. That would allow Cedric, Jose, Caulker and Targett to play across the back. I expect Rodriguez, Pelle and Mane to start up front however, if Ramirez is still about and fit he might provide the key to unlock the Midtjylland door.

He needs to be told that yes we will sell you for the right money but it is too late for this window. I wouldn't be upset to lose him but we would need time to arrange a replacement...

Is Wanyama the last of the big Cortese signings still with us? Clearly these guys were sold a dream that didn't hold water. Wanyama has been angling for a move for a while, but he's just not that good so he's not attracted as much interest.

As said before, He can wait until next summer. In the meantime we will build something that doesn't require his presence and he can then be let go. Might attract a smaller fee, but will stabilise club.

I told you the new away kit was nauseating!

Looks as good as gone. We will know on Sunday for sure. Mane not playing tomorrow either. Just a co-incidence of course.

Why can't we stick to our guns for once Les?

I'll bet Koeman will walk next week, you heard it here first!

Bottom line is Wanyama can't play. We need to score at least 2 goals tomorrow night so perhaps this will force us to play Romeu as out-and-out DM and Reed/Davis/JWP as more adventurous.
Fingers crossed Mane can play!

Bloody hell Brock. You make Nostradamus seem like the Fairy Godmother. All this doomongering isn't healthy. Let's just see what happens before hitting the meltdown alarm.

At times like this, you just have to say FFS!!

Didn't Schneiderlin have a "stomach bug" too before travelling for pre-season? Must be catchy before a player buggers off!!.

IMO he has badly underperformed since the season proper started. We may be better without him for a very important European game. If we progress then I hope RK is not in too much of a hurry to recall him. On the other hand Mane would be a serious loss if he is not fit although I might be tempted to put him on later as the defense tires. There again I think the first goal is crucial.

Whilst the timing of Wanyama's omission is questionable and also shows a lack of professionalism. I still think we should be focusing on a wider issues here regarding our transfer policy, and that is: why can't we retain the services of our best players?

Why is there a narrative in the press that Southampton is too small a club for them to continue developing or to reach their ambitions?

I personally think it's the board. People can say there are wider issues such as FFP but I am still questioning the ambition of the board.

If they truly want the club to improve and progress then they would never have sold Clyne & Schneiderlin and would have brought Toby on a permanent basis. The simple fact of the matter is we didn't need to sell.

In general I'm not surprised about the press speculation. We are a selling club and that robs off in the dressing room. The bottom line is you don't sell you best assets to rivals. That's just common sense.

Not much that can be added to teamcortese. Our reputation as a selling club just increases with each departure and causes those that remain to question the boards ambition. For an alternative, look no further than Everton - they have Chelsea over a barrel. They play hard ball, while we just seem to be a pushover.

teamcortese - spot on

What worries me is, even though Koeman has stated Wanyama will not be sold. He has now stated that "I have to believe the doctors" It is as if he has a suspicion that Wanyama is not really ill, merely having a tantrum? Added to this it has been reported that he has 'unfollowed' Southampton FC on Twitter, which again if true is very childish. My thoughts are if it is true it will have been his agent, angling for more money.

I do hope I'm wrong, but I'm still wearing my rose tinted specs when it comes to players loyalty.

You can add west brom to everton in terms of playing hard ball with the circling vultures.
It would be reassuring to hear someone other than Ron that the 2 are not for sale and we draw the line here.

Where the he'll is Ramirez and why is Koeman so against him? He could have kept us in Europe last night

Forest Saint - I think Ramirez got injured (again) in pre-season. Don't know how long for though. I agree with you and others that he could've unpicked the FCM defence