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Tottenham closing in on Southampton duo

ESPN staff
July 28, 2014
Morgan Schneiderlain played for France in the recent World Cup © Getty Images
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Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez are set to become the latest Southampton stars to depart St Mary's this summer with Tottenham reportedly closing in on a double swoop for the duo.

Former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino, now in charge at White Hart Lane, is keen on both players and, according to Press Association Sport, has stepped up his interest in a double deal.

The Daily Mail claims Southampton want £27 million for Schneiderlin, who represented France at the World Cup in Brazil. Arsenal were thought to be tracking the midfielder but reports suggest Schneiderlin wants to team up with old boss Pochettino again.

Rodriguez is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury but is still thought to be of interest to Pochettino, who led Southampton to their best Premier League finish last season.

Pochettino's successor Ronald Koeman, though, has endured a difficult start to life in his new job. Five of the club's prized assets have been sold and the Dutchman has only recruited two new players so far, leaving fan's frustrated over the club's transfer policies.

Earlier on Monday, Arsenal completed the £16m signing of highly regarded right-back Calum Chambers, much to the "natural disappointment" of the club, according to Saints' executive director Les Reed.

Chambers was the fifth player to be sold by the club this transfer window. On Sunday, Dejan Lovren became the third player to leave Southampton for Liverpool this window after he completed a £20m move to Anfield.

Lovren will team up with Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, who joined Liverpool for £4m and £25m respectively. Luke Shaw left for Manchester United earlier this summer.

Only FC Twente's Dusan Tadic and Feyenoord's Graziano Pelle have arrived in replacement, but Reed insisted the club is closing in on further recruits.

Reed said: "It is important in the transfer window to remain calm, resilient and above all patient. We have targets, and we are working hard to get them across the line."

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