Townsend hopes bleak for Saints
SOUTHAMPTON are resigned to missing out on Andros Townsend after manager Ronald Koeman confirmed the Tottenham winger is unlikely to sign.
Koeman has been working to lure Townsend to St Mary’s before the transfer window closes on Monday, but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is reluctant to sell the England player to his former club.
“Townsend is one of the players on our list, but it’s very difficult and I don’t expect good news, although you can never say never in football,” said Koeman.
Southampton seek their first Premier League victory of the season when they visit West Ham today after losing at Liverpool and drawing with West Brom. A 2-0 Capital One Cup win over Millwall in midweek has raised confidence levels and Koeman is braced for a clash of styles at Upton Park.
“West Ham are an aggressive team and play in a physical way, different to our philosophy,” said Koeman. “It’s always difficult to beat that type of team.
“We need to get our season going. You can talk and you can believe but points bring in a good feeling.
Koeman is likely to keep changes to a minimum, as he did against, Millwall, wanting to give his new-look team greater understanding.