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Koeman: I want Townsend

Kevin Palmer | ESPN FC
August 29, 2014
Andros Townsend was a regular fixture for Spurs last year before he was hit with injury © Getty Images
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Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that he is interested in signing Tottenham's Andros Townsend, but he fears he may not be able to seal the deal for the winger ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

ESPN revealed last week that Southampton had approached Tottenham about signing the player who has been recalled to the England squad for next week's game against Norway at Wembley, with Koeman now going public to state that he is keen to acquire the 23-year-old.

"It's one of the players on our list, but it's very difficult and I don't expect good news about that," said Koeman when asked about Townsend by reporters. "You can't say completely because this is football.

"We work very hard to bring in new players in different positions, but still at the moment it is not done. Some deals are not realistic."

Koeman went on to suggest he is expecting a physical battle when he travels to Upton Park to take on Sam Allardyce's West Ham on Saturday, as he suggested the Hammers promote a style of football that he very different to his own philosophy on the game.

"West Ham are an aggressive team and play in a physical way, different to our philosophy," added Koeman.

"It's always difficult to beat that type of team, and it will be the same on Saturday. Winning in the league is always important because it's the best way to gain confidence.

"We need to improve ourselves and get confidence. You have to be prepared and we are prepared for Saturday."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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