Southampton are resigned to missing out on Andros Townsend after manager Ronald Koeman confirmed the Tottenham winger is unlikely to join Saints.
Koeman has been working to pull Townsend to St Mary’s before the transfer window close, Mauricio Pochettino is unwilling to sell.
“It’s difficult because it’s one of the players on our list, but it’s very difficult and I don’t expect good news about that,” Koeman said.
“You can’t say completely because this is football.”
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman watches at the friendly match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool.
Southampton are hoping to clinch their first Barclays Premier League victory of the against West Ham on Saturday after losing at Liverpool and drawing with West Brom.
“West Ham are an aggressive team and play in a physical way, different to our philosophy,” Koeman said.
“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.
“You can talk and you can believe, but points bring in a good feeling.
“We lost to Liverpool and it wasn’t a good game against West Brom.”
“We didn’t make a lot of changes in the team because we are starting the season and we need to improve ourselves and get confidence,” Koeman said.
“Saturday is totally different. It’s the Premier League and West Ham away is different to Millwall away.
“You have to be prepared and we are prepared for Saturday.” reports Independent
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