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Mohamed Salah is on track to leave Liverpool at the end of the season should he not sign a new contract at Anfield – but Arne Slot could get two replacements20:30, 15 Jan 2025Mohamed Salah is still waiting for a contract offer from Liverpool(Image:
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move to re-sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, three-and-a-half years after he left Stamford Bridge. Guehi, who has 18 months remaining on his current deal at Crystal Palace, was the subject of four unsuccessful bids from Newcastle United in the summer window. However, it is reported that Palace’s…
Chris Wood discussed the possibility of a new contract with Nottingham Forest. Chris Wood said “Whenever it happens, it happens. It’s not something I can control or worry about. I can’t let it affect me. These things take time and I just have to worry about scoring goals, winning games and doing well for this…
Alexis Mac Allister hopes Mohamed Salah can stay at Liverpool for the rest of his career, describing his team-mate as “a legend of the club”19:50, 09 Dec 2024Alexis Mac Allister (L) and Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of the UEFA Champions League league stage football match between Liverpool and Bologna at Anfield on October 2, 2024(Image:
Eddie Howe commented on the situation regarding Alexander Isak’s contract status, emphasizing the club’s stance and financial considerations. Howe addressed Isak’s contract amidst reports suggesting unrest from the player and discussed the club’s future plans. Eddie Howe said “Regarding contracts, I’m not involved in those discussions day to day. With Alex, he’s got a long…
Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Frank Lampard has explained why there should still be optimism at Anfield despite the uncertainty around Mohamed Salah’s future23:45, 05 Nov 2024Frank Lampard spoke about Liverpool’s win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League(Image:
Ex-Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has expressed his views on the potential move of Mohamed Salah to Saudi Arabia. Schmadtke, who only recently departed from the club, mentioned the possibility of Salah heading to the Saudi Pro League in the future. Jorg Schmadtke said, “I don’t know, but it is entirely possible that this will…
Alan Shearer, renowned as Newcastle’s and the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer, is thrilled at the prospect of the former Everton star, Anthony Gordon, signing a new contract with the club. Gordon’s performance has notably impressed Shearer since his transfer from Goodison Park, earning him further accolades, including his first full caps for England. Alan…
Despite Chelsea barring young defender Josh Acheampong from playing for the club again until he signs a new contract, the player’s aspirations for a future at Stamford Bridge have already been made clear. Aged 18 and having penned a youth deal earlier this year, Acheampong has been made unavailable for either the senior or Under-21…
Newcastle United is focusing on securing key players for the long term as part of their strategy for sustainable success. Following the securing of Anthony Gordon’s future with a new contract, attention has now turned towards Alexander Isak. As the club aims to tie down Isak on a long-term deal, Paul Mitchell, the sporting director,…
Newcastle United have confirmed that Anthony Gordon has signed a long-term contract at St James’ Park, securing the England international player as he enters the peak years of his career. Although his £45 million price tag was questioned by critics in 2023, Gordon has proven his worth by scoring 15 times in 74 appearances and…
The left-back, who first signed back in 2022 from Leeds United, has been a crucial part of the Blues’ squad in the last three seasons, helping them secure promotion from League One before his record-breaking campaign in the Championship last term.
Davis registered 18 assists – the most for a defender in a single season at the level – as Town finished second to secure their place in the Premier League.
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The 24-year-old’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, with the club holding the option to extend it for another 12 months. However, Davis has since signed a new deal that’ll keep him at Portman Road until the summer of 2028.
“I am really pleased to have signed a new contract,” he said.
“I have loved my time at the club so far and have improved so much during my two seasons here working with this group of players and under a manager who has done so much for me.
“This feels like home now and I am excited to continue the journey.”
Manager Kieran McKenna said: “We are all delighted that Leif has committed his future to the club.
“Leif has made huge strides over the last two-and-a-half seasons and has developed well, both as a player and as a young man.
Davis has played the full 90 minutes in each of the Blues eight Premier League games so far this season (Image: ITFC/Matchday Images)
“He has been an important part of the successes of the last two seasons and now has the opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League for the first time in his career.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with him for an extended period and are confident he will continue to work hard to improve and develop in all areas.”
Davis has made eight appearances for Ipswich in the Premier League so far this season, providing an assist for Liam Delap in the 1-1 home draw against Fulham back in August.
It has been an eventful two weeks since Pep Guardiola last faced questions from journalists. During this period, news broke of an approach from the Football Association regarding the vacant England manager position. Although Thomas Tuchel was subsequently confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s successor, the speculation involving Guardiola led to significant media discourse. Reports emerged suggesting…
Leroy Sane is the perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, says former winger, but Bukayo Saka is not yet at the Egyptian’s level, it has been argued01:00, 17 Oct 2024Mohamed Salah of Liverpool(Image:
Speculation is rife that Nottingham Forest may offer Chris Wood a new deal. Wood has been in top form, netting 15 goals last season and already scoring four in seven Premier League matches this season. It would be logical for the club to secure his services for a longer period of time. Even at 33…
Manchester United’s academy graduate, Angel Gomes, has been making waves on the international stage. Gomes recently made his second start for England, impressing against Finland. Former Reds captain, Roy Keane, praised the 24-year-old for his performance, highlighting a “pure quality” defence-splitting pass he made to Jack Grealish, leading to England’s first goal of the evening….
The Premier League pair played together in the youth teams, going on to win the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 – where Solanke was named best player.
Saints forward Adam Armstrong was also among that squad in South Korea and was one of five goalscorers for the Young Lions en route to the final.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Solanke, 27, has received his first England call-up since 2017 in Lee Carsley’s latest squad and could add to his one senior cap.
“I think we all keep in touch a little bit, some more than others,” said Solanke, in his first pre-match press conference with England’s men.
Kyle Walker-Peters was named on Lee Carsley’s England standby list in September (Image: PA)
“When we see each other or play against each other, we would always catch up. There are quite a few I am close with from that World Cup.
“Two of my closest friends on and off the pitch are Kyle Walker-Peters and Tosin Adarabioyo who I played with at various age groups with England.
“They are two of my closest friends to this day so there are still quite a few boys who we are close with from that squad.”
Walker-Peters, 27, has never played with Solanke at club level with the pair on opposing sides of a South Coast rivalry before Solanke’s AFC Bournemouth departure.
The former Spurs defender could be on the move himself next summer, with his Saints deal set to expire and no agreement on renewed terms.
Saints manager Russell Martin said: “He won’t sign a new contract right now. I don’t know if that will change at any point.”
Angel Gomes made his debut for Manchester United in 2018, becoming the youngest player to represent the club since Duncan Edwards in 1953. His potential was highlighted once again during the England U21s European Championship triumph in 2023, where he was a key performer. Recently, Gareth Southgate’s departure from the England national team has presented…
Latest Liverpool news with superstar forward Mohamed Salah working hard away from Anfield and the training pitch20:03, 04 Oct 2024Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has sent a clear message ahead of the Premier League clash at Crystal Palace(Image:
The 22-year-old joined the Blues from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee last summer and featured in Carabao Cup wins against Bristol Rovers and Reading.
A Scotland U21 international, he currently finds himself backing up Aro Muric and Christian Walton in Kieran McKenna’s squad.
“The club has put trust in me, which is a real positive,” he told the club website.
“I have only been here a year, but the relationships I’ve built during that time have made me feel at home.
“I think I’ve improved a lot and my development is on an upward trajectory. I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to keep going and keep pushing to where I want to get to. There’s a big season ahead and I am really excited for it.”
Slicker joins Wes Burns, Christian Walton and Sam Morsy in signing new deals since promotion to the Premier League was secured.
Blues boss Kieran McKenna revealed recently that there were ‘conversations ongoing’ with other members of the squad about fresh contracts.
TOWN CONTRACTS
* Known 12 month extension option for club
Loan: Phillips, Cajuste
2025: Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis*, Luongo*, Edmundson, Baggott*, Harness*
2026: Walton, H.Clarke*, Townsend, Morsy, Taylor, Burns, Chaplin, Broadhead, Humphreys
2027: Hirst
2028: Muric, Slicker, Johnson, Ogbene, Szmodics, J.Clarke, Al-Hamadi
2029: O’Shea, Greaves, Hutchinson, Delap
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has responded assertively to claims that he’s unsettled at St. James’ Park, aiming to put any doubts to rest. Despite reports from Merseyside suggesting that Gordon was keen on a move to Anfield, the 23-year-old has committed to staying at St. James’ Park this summer. Anthony Gordon said “It’s been…
The Polish international has penned a new three-year deal, potentially keeping him at Southampton until 2027.
However, Martin conceded that Walker-Peters’ current position is to not sign a new deal at St Mary’s.
Walker-Peters had been linked with West Ham in the summer before they decided to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The 27 year old has started every league game for Saints on the left of defence, with summer signing Yukinari Sugawara settling in on the right.
Asked for an update on Walker-Peters’ contract situation, Martin told the Daily Echo: “He won’t sign a new contract right now. I don’t know if that will change at any point.
Kyle Walker-Peters’ contract expires next summer (Image: Stuart Martin) “It is a situation we have to be conscious and aware of. If it’s not going to change then he needs to give us everything on the pitch as Stuey (Armstrong) and Che (Adams) did last year.
“It will be the owner’s call in January (if Saints will cash in on Walker-Peters), it will depend on how much he has played by then and his level of performance.
“It will come down to how he is feeling and how we are feeling. It depends on so much. I can’t give you a definitive answer on that.
“It also depends on who comes in for him and what clubs value him at because nobody has done that in the last three transfer windows.
“Kyle has been brilliant for us, and whilst that continues to be the case, it is not a problem at all.”
Bednarek’s new deal could take his time at Saints to a decade, having joined the club from Lech Poznań in 2017.
Jan Bednarek admitted Southampton has become his home (Image: Stuart Martin) Martin praised the 28 year old for evolving into a leader over the last 12 months and is delighted to get the deal done early into the season.
“I think it’s massive for the club,” he explained “Janny has grown into the season nicely. He’s getting better and better.
“He’s an outstanding person who has grown into a leader in the last year. With the responsibility he takes on and off the pitch, he’s a big character for us.
“He’s an amazing professional. It’s been a privilege to watch him evolve over the last year. I don’t think we should take him for granted. I think he’s a top player.
“With a year left on his contract, it would have been easy for him to say I want to see that out. That has been other people’s prerogative last season, and this season still.
“But he loves it here and he loves being a part of it. I think he likes working with us and has a lot of trust in us.
“It’s a brilliant statement of intent from the ownership group to back us on that by giving Janny a new contract. I think he would have had a lot of offers if he allowed his contract to run out.”
Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip as Mohamed Salah spoke after his side’s win over Manchester United at Old Trafford20:53, 01 Sep 2024Mohamed Salah gave a hint about his Liverpool future(Image:
The 34-year-old is the Hammers’ longest-serving player, having joined them from Ipswich in the summer of 2014. He has been a key man over the last decade.
We are delighted to confirm that @Aaron_Cresswell has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club 📝
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 5, 2024
Cresswell’s previous deal, which did not include a one-year option, was set to expire this summer, but he now set to stay for an 11th season at the East London club.
He has made over 300 appearances for the Hammers, helping them win the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022/23.
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“Ten years is a long time, and I’ve loved every minute of it here,” Cresswell told West Ham TV.
“I’m delighted that I’m going to be here for at least another season. Me and my family are very happy down here. My son and daughter were both born here – my boy at Queen’s Hospital down the road in Romford – and he is West Ham mad.
Aaron Cresswell joined West Ham from Ipswich in 2014. (Image: PA)
Cresswell only made 11 Premier League appearances last season and said: “This year has been a bit of a change in role – I haven’t played as much, but I’ve been in football a long time to understand that there is a bigger picture than just playing every week.
“I’d like to think I’ve done that well when not playing, supporting the team and the lads.
He will be playing under a new manager next season as former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has replaced David Moyes.
The left-back will be coming up against Town for the first time in the top flight, having played 138 games for the Blues and scoring seven goals during his three seasons at Portman Road.
The Dutch defender stood out at Arsenal, days after signing a new contract with Albion.
He has impressed Roberto De Zerbi with his progress and confidence and has become a firm fans’ favourite.
Van Hecke told the Argus: “I just try to play every game at my best and tell myself that I need to be better than my last game.
“I step on the pitch with a lot of confidence.
“I think that’s good but not too much and also be eager to become a better player.”
Albion complete a hectic period by tackling Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday.
It feels like the sort of ultra-competitive occasion which would be right up the 22-year-old’s street.
Van Hecke said: “I haven’t thought too much about it but now we focus on that one.
“We know how important it is for the club, for the fans, for the players.
“I am really looking forward to it and hopefully we can go there for the win.”
Van Hecke and Albion will hope to have more of the game than in the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.
He said: “I suppose you look first to yourself but then you also need to look to our opponent and they were really strong.
“It’s a top team, maybe one of the best in the world.
“I think at times we played some football how we usually do but a lot of times they had us under pressure and they played some good football.
“It was a difficult game but in the first half we defended our goal really well so we had good hopes for the second half.
“In the first five minutes we had some control but then they scored out of a corner and then a late goal.
“We can also score 1-1 with Pascal.
“It would not have been deserved but at our place we sometimes draw or lose games and it is also not deserved.”
Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year deal to become the new manager of Nottingham Forest. The Reds have today confirmed the departure of Steve Cooper as head coach. And former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno is understood to be set to hold talks with the club’s owner Evangelos Marinakis. Forest confirmed…
Aston Villa are in talks with Ollie Watkins over signing a new contract. The striker is in the final two years of his current deal which he signed in the summer of 2020 after joining Villa from Brentford. It means he is due to enter the final 12 months of his contract after the end…
Kyle Walker wants to spend ‘many more’ seasons at Manchester City but expressed frustration that his new contract has not been signed yet. Walker’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and he explored a transfer to Bayern Munich over the summer before deciding to stay at City. He admitted recently that the…
Christie, 28, is heading into the final year of his deal at Vitality Stadium, having arrived from Celtic in the summer of 2021.
The Scotland international has made 75 appearances for Cherries, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. He played a key role in clinching promotion from the Championship, before then helping keep the club in the Premier League last season.
The hard-working midfielder has featured in both friendly matches under new boss Andoni Iraola so far. He played 90 minutes in the 4-0 win over Hibernian, before again starting and playing the first half of Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Christie has previously expressed how settled he feels on the south coast of England, becoming a dad for the first time last month.
Asked if there has been any dialogue with the club regarding his future and current contract situation, Christie told the Daily Echo: “No discussions yet, but I’m more than happy (here).
“Especially with the baby now, I love living in Bournemouth. It’s a great place to stay and my family is nice and settled as well.
“I’m not really thinking about that right now. Obviously the pre-season is pretty tough, so you just need to get the head down and keep working hard.
“My main hope is to impress the new boss as much as I can.
“If that leads to talks about a new contract, so be it. I’ll be looking forward to that hopefully.”
Christie and his fiancée Georgie welcomed a baby boy into the world last month.
For Christie, that capped off a busy summer, which had seen him away representing Scotland just five days before his son was born.
“It was absolutely amazing, to be fair,” he said, discussing his new arrival.
“It was obviously a bit of a whirlwind when he came, but I think we kind of timed it perfectly.
“I got back from Scotland camp and two days later we went into labour.
“It was nice because I got two weeks at the end of my break just in the house with him getting used to baby life.”
Christie’s final game before returning home was the bizarre Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia at Hampden Park.
The Highlander was introduced for the closing stages of the 2-0 win, coming onto the pitch at 11.16pm after the game had been delayed due to wet weather in Glasgow.
“That was one of the strangest games I’ve been a part of,” Christie admitted.
“The rain was absolutely mental and then there was talk of the game being postponed and playing the next morning.
“I think everybody was desperate just to get the game done, especially me with a pregnant fiancée at home, waiting for me to get home. So I was watching the clock half the night!
“The most important thing is we got a win to round off another very successful camp for us.”
Fulham Winger Willian has re-signed for Fulham after verbally agreeing a new one-year deal at Craven Cottage. Fulham manager Marco Silva is understood to have been crucial in Willian’s decision to stay after allowing him to excel upon his return to the Premier League last season. Fresh from extending his stay in SW6, Willian said:…
New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has left a positive early impression on Harry Kane. Postecoglou made it clear this week in his first press conference that his discussions with Kane, who turns 30 this month, were never going to be about convincing the player to remain at Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou said: “I don’t…
Isaac Heath has become the latest Everton youngster to sign his first professional contract with the club. Heath joined Everton from hometown club Leeds United in 2019, and he has played in multiple roles, including attacking midfielder and winger. He made 15 appearances for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s last season, scoring two goals. The 18-year-old’s performances…
Tom Lockyer hailed his ‘unbelievable relationship’ with the Hatters fans after agreeing a new contract to remain with the club for what will be their debut season in the Premier League this term.The 28-year-old centre half was a massive reason behind Town making it to the top flight for the first time in over 30 years, with some absolutely magnificent displays at the heart of Luton’s defence last season, seeing him quite rightly named in the division’s Team of the Year.However, he then suffered an on-field collapse at Wembley in the early stages of the play-off final with Coventry City, immediately taken to hospital.It was from there he had to watch Luton secure a 6-5 penalty shootout victory, as he was kept in for five days to have an operation to correct an atrial fibrillation, which meant he missed the open top bus parade and celebrations at St George’s Square too.Lockyer’s social media was flooded with message of support from Town’s fans, who he was eager to thank when announcing he had re-signed, as speaking to the club’s official Twitter page, he said: “Absolutely gutted that I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you all at the end of last season, but I can’t thank you all enough for all the messages you sent me, it means so much to me and my family.”Sat in the back of the ambulance van, I was worried that I was never going to be able to play again, so I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I’ll be staying on at Luton Town.“Ever since I’ve come to this football club I’ve had an unbelievable relationship with the fans, it makes my spine tingle every time I hear my name sung and I can’t wait to hear that again.”Luton defender Tom Lockyer celebrates scoring in front of the Hatters fansNow beginning his fourth season at Kenilworth Road, and with 101 appearances under his belt, Lockyer is looking to remain with the club for the long term, adding: “I’d really like to build something special here at Luton Town.”I’ve got an incredible relationship with the fans, the manager, all the boys.“I love the club and I love being here.”It’s incredible what we achieved last season.”To have the chance to play with Luton in the Premier League will be something that’s really special to me.”
New head coach Ange Postecoglou hopes that Harry Kane and Son Heung-min will score “bags of goals” for him at Tottenham Hotspur next season. Kane has been linked with a move away this summer to Bundesliga side Bayern Munich while football.london understands that Spurs have offered the England captain, who turns 30 this month, a…
Luton defender Reece Burke is determined to stay fit and play a big part in the Hatters’ first ever Premier League campaign this season after signing a new deal at Kenilworth Road.The 25-year-old has played 57 times for the Hatters since joining on a free from Hull City in 2021, but has never been able to get a run of more than six consecutive league starts due to various injuries picked up along the way.He featured in 22 Championship fixtures last term, beginning five games in a row on two occasions, which is something he desperately wants to improve with Town in the top flight once more.Reece Burke in action for Luton during the play-off final at Wembley – pic: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesSpeaking to the club’s official website, Burke said: “I’m absolutely delighted.”I’m grateful to have another opportunity, buzzing to continue my journey here.”It’s been two successful years here, the first season we got in the play-offs and didn’t get promoted but in the second season we did go up.“Wembley was the best day of my life in football, so I’m really delighted to stay.”Personally, last year was difficult for me in terms of injuries, my main focus this time is to stay fit and try to do well.”When I’m fit, I play well so I know I’ve got more to give.“I just enjoy coming into training every day, we’ve got a great team, great staff, great fans, I like everything about this club, so it was a no brainer really.”Luton boss Rob Edwards is confident that the former West Ham centre half can stay fit on a consist basis too, as he said: “I think he’s a really good player and a really important player for us, so I’m delighted that he’s agreed a contract extension because when he’s fit, him and Gabe (Osho) is a right good battle for that position.“I know now the big thing for him will be consistently staying fit and consistently playing, but I know he’s capable of it.“He’s got energy and from that right-sided position he can be really brave.”He’ll bomb on, he’ll overlap, he’ll put crosses in, he’ll be aggressive in defensive situations.“He’s a brilliant bloke who is another one who is just a bit frustrated because he needs that run of games and then just feels little niggles, but he worked so, so hard to get himself fit for the play-off games.”The medical team did brilliant with him to get him right, and he’d have been disappointed not to be playing in the final, but he came on and he was incredible.”Whenever Burke did play, he showed the hallmarks of the player who came through the ranks at Upton Park, going on to make six top flight appearances for the Hammers and then costing Hull £1.5m in 2018.On the bench at Wembley for the play-off final with Coventry, the centre half was on far earlier than anyone would have expected, himself included, replacing Tom Lockyer after the Welsh international collapsed on the pitch inside the opening 10 minutes.Despite playing just over a half of first team football in the month building up to the showpiece event, Burke excelled from the moment he came on, helping to restrict Sky Blues’ star striker Viktor Gyokeres to very little in terms of clear-cut chances, as Luton drew 1-1, then winning on penalties to reach the top division in English football for the first time in over 30 years.On his display, Edwards said: “I thought his mentality to come on so early, in difficult circumstances when Locks went off when he did, to come into that, the biggest game of all of our careers, and perform as he did against really tough opposition, just says everything you need to know about him.“He’s another one, when you think about his goal away at Huddersfield on New Year’s Day, he got three wins in a row for us and it was a really important goal.”But his performances, whenever he did play, were excellent.”Even in a game we lost, Burnley at home, I thought he was magnificent.”Meanwhile, Burke added: “Over the last two seasons, the best moment would be Wembley.”I came on so early in the game, but I did well and that feeling when we won was unreal.”It’s so hard to describe but it’s my best day in football for me.”
Julen Lopetegui has stressed he hopes to stay at Wolves as talks continue about his future. The manager’s position has been in doubt since he revealed he’s been having talks with chairman Jeff Shi and has been made aware of an issue with Financial Fair Play that affects spending plans for the summer. It was…
Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui says he needs a clear picture of the club’s transfer plans as talks continue about next season. The manager has played down the suggestion he would walk away if he’s not happy but does want clarity about spending plans as Wolves prepare for another season in the top flight. Lopetegui has…
Pep Guardiola has no intention of leaving Manchester City in the summer, even if they complete the treble this season. Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension in November until 2025 to replace his existing contract that expired at the end of the current season. Since that moment, City have turned their form around and won…
The first half was good, but the second half so bad. What happened? Absolutely. This is the Premier League. You have to be ready for the whole game. I thought the first half we played a very good match, had a few opportunities to score a couple more. But of course in the second half…
The Spaniard, speaking ahead of the club’s penultimate game of the season at Brighton this weekend, is under contract at Saints until the end of the season.
Selles revealed his intentions to continue his management career and said he will “absolutely not” stay on at St Mary’s unless he remains the boss.
It had been reported elsewhere that Championship and Spanish clubs are monitoring Selles despite the club’s 11-game winless run ending in relegation.
READ MORE: Selles does not want to stay at Southampton unless he is the manager
Speaking on the job he has done, Selles said: “If you want to have an all-in mentality it is not only words and that is what I did.
“It was an all-or-nothing moment and I am always all. I was clear that if I took a step, it was a definite step in this club and a definite step in my career, that is why I did it.
“I would not change any single second of that decision. Of course, I would change the results we have had and maybe some decisions.
“If you evaluate your time then there will be things you could do better but I do not change that decision.”
He added: “My agent is working on those things. I get a report every two or three days. There has been some interest, but I will not speak to anyone until I have finished the season with Southampton.
“As much as the gossip is about other people it is also about me. The gossip is the gossip. I do not know the reality of those things. It is always the same and if you do not want that gossip around you, you have to win more football matches.
“That is how it works and we know this. I respect the club and everybody knows it. I have a contract until the end of the season and we made it clear we will speak then.
“If the club makes any decision before that then I would expect to have it communicated to me one way or another before it is made public.”
A fan favourite since arriving from Spanish side Levante in 2018 for a club-record £25million, Lerma has entered the final months of his contract at Vitality Stadium.
Capped 33 times by Colombia, the 28-year-old has a host of suitors, both in Spain and in the Premier League.
London clubs Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham are rumoured to be interested, with clubs in Europe unable to match the financial pull of top-flight clubs in England.
Sources close to the player had told the Daily Echo that he was undecided over a move away due to his strong affection for the club and the Cherries faithful.
Reports had suggested that the Colombian international had rejected multiple contract offers from Cherries, only for Lerma himself to insist that this was not the case.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo in his native Spanish, Lerma shared: “Everything is possible. I have never rejected an offer from the club.
“We have always been in dialogue and waited to make the best decision for both of us.
“I am very grateful to count on the people here, but now it is time to reach an agreement that works out best for both from any point of view.
“For me, if there was a breakdown in talks with the club it would be in the news.
“We are waiting and taking the best decision for both of us.”
Now mathematically safe from relegation, Cherries had an uncharacteristically bad day at the office last time out, failing to register a shot on target as they were defeated 2-0 at Crystal Palace.
“It was quite a rare game from us,” Lerma explained.
“I think that we couldn’t really settle. But we have to raise our heads and think of what’s to come.
“Sadly, it was an out-of-character game (for us) and a good game for them.
“But every week we have an opportunity to lift ourselves up.”
The major talking point stemming from the encounter from a Cherries perspective was a first-half incident involving Lerma. Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen struck Lerma in the face with a clenched fist at a corner, there being enough force to break the former Levante man’s nose.
However, despite a VAR check, Andersen received no punishment.
Asked if he had broken his nose, Lerma replied: “Yes – you can see it a little.
“Supposedly (the referees) didn’t see anything wrong. We have to forget it and we recover.”
With two games left in their season, Cherries have already achieved their pre-season objective of survival. Asked for his thoughts on the season as a whole, Lerma responded: “Yes, that also has to be seen as a positive.
“I think that everything cannot be rosy. We have to not crash after a loss, but recover – the desire is to return to victory.
“Like I said before, it’s football and every week you have an opportunity to prove yourself.”
The 26 year old Scotsman has been battling injury since the March international break and has been unable to fully assist the team in their battle.
Adams, who has scored five goals in the Premier League and five in cup competitions this season, missed the 2-0 defeat to Fulham after a late fitness test.
After scoring in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in March, Adams has only played 130 minutes since – starting just once.
READ MORE: How Southampton’s excitement unwrapped to become relegation disaster
Posting his statement on Twitter, Adams said: “Dear Saints, now I’ve processed everything, I wanted to express just how gutted I am.
pic.twitter.com/9OxWA6GDOn
— Ché Adams (@CheAdams_) May 14, 2023
“This season has been the most challenging of my career and I think the same goes for everyone involved in Southampton Football Club.
“We have failed and definitely fallen short of everybody’s expectations and for that, I can’t express how disappointed and also sorry I am.”
He added: “I have given my everything for this club since I first walked through Staplewood on 1st July 2019 and St Mary’s, but this year wasn’t enough.
“Myself and everyone at the club will learn from the mistakes we’ve made this season.
“The last few weeks have been especially gutting not being able to help the team, as I’ve been struggling with an injury. Anyone that knows me, knows I don’t give up or quit easily.
“I’ve tried my hardest and pushed through the past few games as I wanted to give my everything, but it’s not got better and it wouldn’t be fair on the team or the fans if I’m not at 100%.
“Just want to say a massive thank you to all the fans that support us each week, we’ll bring the club back to where it belongs for you.”
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Sources close to the player have told the Daily Echo that he has doubts on leaving Cherries due to a strong affection he holds for both the club and fanbase.
A club record signing, Lerma arrived at Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2018 for a fee believed to be in the region of £25 million from then La Liga outfit Levante.
With his contract expiring this summer, the 28-year-old has been free to discuss a pre-contract with clubs outside of England since January.
After reportedly making no headway in earlier talks over an extension, negotiations between Cherries and Lerma’s representatives were seemingly paused to focus on the clubs’ bid for survival.
As it appears Cherries have all but confirmed their Premier League status for a second successive season, there is now an opportunity for talks to restart.
Speaking on Lerma’s future at the start of May, head coach Gary O’Neil commented: “No decision made at the moment, as far as I’m aware, so hopefully he’ll be here.
“Jeff’s a great guy, so incredible around the place, incredible around the group, especially if you’re in a relegation battle when you need to get in the trenches.
“And me, Jeff, the club, have been fully focused on that up until this moment.
“I think you’ve seen in Jeff’s performances that there was just no doubt that he was fully committed to the cause.
“Now that the relegation stuff is all but beyond us, then hopefully we can start to put something in place where he stays, but no confirmation either way.”
Whilst the Daily Echo understands that there are numerous European clubs that have made proposals to the midfielder, no agreement has been reached with any side.
In March, Lerma told Spanish outlet AS.com that he was open to a return to Spain, but while Spanish clubs have enquired into the availability of the Colombian international, they are unable to match the potential wages on offer in the Premier League.
Although teams based in England must wait until the expiry of a player’s contract before making an official offer, there are also numerous Premier League clubs that have registered an interest in Lerma.
Reportedly London clubs West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Fulham are keen on Lerma.
Since arriving from Spain, the Colombian has made 181 appearances for Cherries, the majority of which have come in the top-flight.
One of the first names on the team sheet under five different bosses, many expected Lerma to depart Dean Court when Cherries were relegated from the Premier League in 2020.
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At the age of 28, Lerma is regarded to be in his prime, with the likelihood that his next contract will be his last chance of a financially lucrative deal.
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The 33-year-old arrived on the south coast last summer on a free transfer from Catalan giants Barcelona, initially signing a one-year contract.
His new deal will last until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, taking him just shy of his 37th birthday.
After being installed as number one following Gary O’Neil’s original appointment as caretaker at the end of August, the Brazilian international has made 18 appearances for Cherries, recording four clean sheets.
Speaking after signing the new deal, Neto told Cherries’ club media: “I am very happy and very proud. From the first time (I arrived here), I loved to be here. Me and my family are really enjoying the moment of our life.
“It is the perfect place, because we have kids, a young baby, and we are really easy people. We are enjoying the place, it is very quiet, very nice.
“My daughter is enjoying the school, my wife is enjoying the place. This is the most important in your career, when you have this connection. Everything is perfect.”
Aside from his spell at the Camp Nou, the keeper lists Juventus, Valencia, and Fiorentina as previous employers. Capped once at senior-level by Brazil, Neto also represented his country twice at the 2012 Olympics in London, where he won a silver medal.
Neto has shared dressing rooms with a full host of stars, including Leo Messi, Neymar, Mo Salah, Luis Suarez, and Gianluigi Buffon.
The goalkeeper also boasts significant experience in continental competition, playing 10 times in the Champions League for Barcelona, Valencia, and Juventus, as well as 24 games in Europe’s secondary tournament, the Europa League.
Such has been the Brazilian’s impact since arriving at Cherries, O’Neil decided to appoint Neto as club captain in February, the goalie donning the armband for the first time in the defeat away at Brighton.
An established figure in the dressing room despite only being at the club for eight months, the fact that Neto can speak English, Spanish, and Italian was also a deciding factor in his receiving of the captaincy, with Cherries’ dressing room now speaking numerous different languages.
At the time of the appointment, O’Neil shared: “I just feel that Nets is an impressive individual, on and off the pitch. He has real leadership qualities. Since he’s come in, I’ve just been very impressed with how good he is around the group.
“Neto has some real, good qualities that we would be silly not to tap in to. I think especially in the transfer window with the players we’ve recruited, Neto has a real good standing in the group. I think it will benefit us.”
With Lloyd Kelly and Matias Vina returning to fitness, Zemura was a surprise omission from the squad to face Liverpool last weekend, having impressed in recent weeks.
The Daily Echo understands the 23-year-old was left out due to his ongoing contraction situation.
Zemura’s current deal expires this summer, after the club triggered a one-year extension clause in his contract in March 2022.
It is understood the club have offered Zemura a significant pay-rise from his current terms, but the London-born ace or his representatives are yet to respond or engage in discussions.
Speaking after the win over Liverpool, O’Neil said the Zimbabwe international’s absence was an “internal decision”.
Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Aston Villa, O’Neil was asked if Zemura had a future at Cherries.
He said: “I think Jordan has had a good time here, of course.
“My job at the moment, I don’t get involved at all in contract situations, just purely on team selection.
“As we saw, Lloyd Kelly is back fit now and can play left-back.
“We’ve got a Uruguay international back available, Matias Vina, who has trained well.
“So we have three very capable left-backs at the moment. So some tough decisions for me, but also positives that we have more options.”
Asked if Zemura remains in his thoughts when picking his team, O’Neil added: “All of them are, always.
“I’ll always make an honest and what I believe to be a sensible decision around who is best to play.”
Zemura, who arrived from Charlton Athletic in 2019 after a successful spell on trial, made his first-team debut in September 2020.
His breakthrough campaign was last season, under Scott Parker, featuring in 33 Championship matches, helping the club clinch promotion.
Cherries have long been trying to tie Zemura down to a longer-term contract, but no agreement has been reached, with other Premier League clubs credited with an interest.