Southampton FC: Young Guns

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• Saints Captain Jose Fonte has spoken exclusively to saintsfc.com about the coming season, and how the team are shaping up ahead of pre-season. Read on for the full interview

SFC: "Morning, Jose - What's it Like being back for Pre-Season this time around?"

JF: "Its amazing. Everyone loves a summer holiday, but it's good to be back amongst my team-mates and preparing for the new season."

SFC: "So what are your goals for the coming season? What are you aiming for?"

JF: "I think for me personally, i'm just aiming to get as much playing time under my belt as I possibly can. I'm not getting any younger, and I need to make sure i'm playing at the top of my game every week to keep my place. I'm aware that nobody is irreplaceable, and as Captain, the scrutiny is even higher on my performances - I need to lead by example and really get the boys focused on each game to ensure we do the best we can."

SFC: "What about as a team? Where are you aiming this season?"

JF: "I think as a team we want to do the very best we can for our fans. I don't think continental qualification is out of the question - if we're in that mix i'll be very happy. There are some great teams in this league who fight for European places every season; teams like Spurs, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal...I could go on! We need to give 110% in every game, and fight until the end to make sure we get everything we can out of this season."

SFC: "Anyone we should be looking out for this season?"

JF: "I've been watching the guys in pre-season, and we've got some great players coming through just now Matthew Targett, our left back, is on fire in training just now. He's only 19, but he's ready for a big season I think. Harrison Reed as well, in midfield, is looking good in training, alongside James Ward-Prowse, who I think is ready to really make his mark on this league. I guess all our youngsters are ready to impress any-time. It's something this club has always been good at - we develop some incredible talent here, and it's good to see that finally paying off."

SFC: "We'll let you get back to training, Jose, thank you"

JF: "Thanks"

Good to see you writing Infra! Southampton is an interesting save, you are going to have to do well to stop the big clubs raiding your players!

Gonna be tough but a fun road to go down hopefully! Best of luck mate, hope you can achieve big things with the Saints

Very impressive start, all the best for this one!

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13/7/2016

• Southampton FC are delighted to announce the arrival of English youngster Louis Reed from Sheffield United for a fee of £450k

We are pleased to announce that 18 year old Louis Reed has agreed to join the club from League 1 side Sheffield United in a deal worth £450k. The youngster, who has received plaudits from the media for his technical ability and composure on the ball, made 19 appearances for Sheffield last season as they battled to 5th place in League 1.

Speaking to the media today, Reed was forthcoming in his praise for the club, and outlined his plans for the future briefly.

"It's an incredible feeling, to be sitting here as a Southampton player in the Premiership. Last month, I was gearing up for another year of League 1 football, and now i've been given the opportunity to test myself at the highest level, not just domestically, but also in Europe, with us competing in the Europa League.

"I think for me, the key this year has to be getting involved as much as possible. There's a great group of players at this club, and i've got plenty of people to be learning from and developing with. I'm going to be concentrating on developing my game and taking my skills to the next level, and hopefully compete for a place in the first team.

"I'm under no illusions that this season will be tough, but i'm ready for the challenge that this transfer will bring me - I can't wait to repay the faith that's been shown in me and my abilities."

Great signing, every Championship save I have had this guy comes back on my scout reports and looks good, I hope he develops well for you!

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19/7/2015

• Deal bringing 23 Year old Dutch centre-back to Southampton thought to be in the region of £5m, with Veltman set to join the club's Summer Training Camp after cutting his holiday short to complete the deal.

As the summer rolls on, and the opening day of the season approaches, it is with delight that we are able to confirm that Dutch centre-back Joël Veltman has agreed a deal to move from Ajax to the club for around £5m.

Joël had previously played for both Jong Ajax and the Ajax senior squad since 2010, making 62 League appearances in that time and scoring 7 goals. In that time, Veltman helped Ajax to win the Eredivisie twice, also finishing runners up once. He also lifted the Dutch Super Cup in 2013, picking up another Runners-Up medal for that competition last season. On the International stage, Veltman was part of the Holland side which came 3rd at the 2014 World Cup and also helped the U20 side to the final of the U20 Euro Cup, but was unable to lift the trophy.

Veltman has drawn plaudits for his playing style in the past; his unflappable nature inspiring confidence in his team-mates. Composed and strong in the tackle, Veltman will bring some steel to the Southampton back line, and was keen to get his head down and impress at his new club.

"I can't wait to join up with the squad and get working with my new team-mates. This is a great club with a lot of potential, and I'm really excited to see what we can achieve in the coming years."

Short and Sweet, but Veltman's response to the transfer is overwhelmingly positive, and we as a club cannot wait to see what contributions he can make to the club.

Great signing mate! Could easily be the perfect replacement for Alderweireld!

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• Club Owner Katharina Leibherr has today stated that she is prepared to fund two further key moves for Saints in this transfer window, having been convinced of their importance by manager Ronald Koeman.

There was good news for fans this morning, as club owner Katharina Leibherr promised to dip into her £3bn net worth in order to fund two more key transfers for the club, after manager Ronald Koeman convinced her that the two players in question are key for the future of the club.

There are multiple rumours flying around as to who the two players are, but the news came alongside confirmation of the club's latest signing - which had previously been assumed to be the final act of the transfer window - the signing of Andrija Zivkovic from Partizan Belgrade.

The winger, who is only 19 years old, has arrived in a deal worth around £1.7m, and has received high praise in the media and from fans across a variety of leagues and clubs. Quick on his feet, and with a good eye for a cross, Zivkovic will be hoping his arrival is not overshadowed by the excitement around the increase to transfer budgets ahead of the last few weeks of the transfer window.

Zivkovic will no doubt fit snugly into this youthful and flairy Southampton side!

Some good signings here, certainly should pay off in later seasons!

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• £6.5m deal struck between Köln and Southampton for the transfer of 22 year old German goalkeeper, confirmed this morning.

With pre-season matches just around the corner, we are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with FC Köln for the transfer of German Under 21 goalkeeper Timo Horn, for a fee of £6.5m. Horn, who has been at Köln since 2007, has been steadily building a reputation throughout Europe, having been touted at times as the new Manuel Neuer.

Horn's arrival may have shocked a few of our fans, especially considering how little we have paid for him after taking advantage of his £6.5m release clause. The player himself has declined to speak to the press at this time, preferring instead to take an intensive English language course in order to fully prepare himself to integrate with his new team-mates.

Great signing mate! One for the future and if you absolutely have to, someone you can make huge profit on!

Certainly a must buy, the difference a quality goalkeeper can make in this game is unbelievable!

Huge signing there mate