SAINTS EYE ROGIC MOVE
FROM BACK PAGE attention of the south coast club with the club’s director of recruitment and scouting Ross Wilson at Parkhead last Sunday to see the playmaker destroy Rangers in the 5-0 win.
The 25-year-old is moving into the final year of his contract and has yet to agree an extension offered by the champions.
Due to their outstanding success with previous signings from Parkhead such as Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk, Southampton’s recruitment team are constantly monitoring individuals at the Scottish champions.
Stuart Armstrong, who is also entering the final year on his current Hoops deal, has also been watched and considered for a period lasting over 12 months.
Rogic has now also caught the eye with his technical ability and his situation is being assessed.
At this stage, Southampton can make no concrete transfer plans for 2018-19 until their status for next term is established with the club fighting to save their top-flight skins and not slip into the English Championship.
However, Record Sport can confirm scouting reports are being compiled on Rogic.
Rogic is set to attract a host of interest in the summer from England and abroad with a scheduled appearance at the World Cup Finals and boss Rodgers has confessed the Aussie’s future may come down to a lifestyle choice.
The playmaker is moving into the final year of his current deal and, after five years in Glasgow, has yet to commit to a new contract which has been offered by the champions.
Rodgers would like to keep the Aussie, but accepts that it might come down to more than just footballing reasons if a suitable offer arrives for the playmaker.
He explained: “Tom is a brilliant player, but you have to respect that a player’s career is short.
“I don’t think he is questioning the club, I don’t think he is questioning anything here.
“He is a young guy who was deemed not good enough for some clubs when he was younger.
“Tom has come over here and it has taken five years for him to really establish himself and show his real talents.
“In the last couple of years he has been sensational. It’s just a life decision, really.
“Tom and his wife are from Australia. If you are a Celtic supporter, you probably can’t think of a better place to be in the world than Celtic.
“But there are warmer and drier places!
“Tom’s a massive talent and we hope we can keep him here.
“There’s nothing sinister in it. He’ll take his time and I’ll always support players whatever their decisions are.
“Hopefully, he can stay and agree a longer term.”
Rodgers, meanwhile, has confirmed that there are no long-term issues with the hamstring injury which has kept Dembele out of the past two games against Hibs and Rangers.
And he reckons the French striker could be ready to go this weekend if he’s called upon.
He said: “Moussa will be fine. He had a couple of days with his hamstring after the last Rangers game.
“He trained the two days before the game, but we didn’t want to risk it.
“We wanted to win the title but we have a Scottish Cup Final which we want him to be ready for.”