Rodriguez, Schneiderlin close to joining Pochettino at Tottenham

With the floodgates open, two more Southampton regulars are ready to leave St. Marys, though instead of being future stars like Calum Chambers, the team’s next losses will be key figures in Ronald Koeman’s squad. Close to rejoining former manager Mauricio Pochettino in North London, midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and attacker Jay Rodriguez are closing in on moves to Tottenham Hotspur.

According to one report out of England, the duo is “set” to move to Spurs, though the final fees are still being negotiated. Rodriguez, recovering from an anterior crucriate ligament injury, has already agreed to personal terms, while Schneiderlin has informed Southampton of his desire to reunite with Pochettino.

From The Guardian, who shed light on Saints’ thought process:

The Southampton hierarchy, apparently with the blessing of the new manager, Ronald Koeman, has determined that any player who expresses a desire to leave will be allowed to exit St Mary’s for the right price though, at present, the first-team squad is increasingly appearing asset-stripped.

According to The Guardian, Dani Osvaldo and José Fonte could be the next out the door, and while Osvaldo’s permanent move has long been expected, Fonté's departure would leave Southampton without a returning starter in defense.

Despite the losses, club executive director Les Reed is putting on a brave face. Again from The Guardian:

“We have an abundance of talent in the Academy coming through, and everybody at the club is continuing to work hard on bringing in quality new players as we build a team capable of taking us further forward in the coming seasons,” he said. “It is important in the transfer window to remain calm, resilient and above all patient. We have targets, and we are working hard to get them across the line.

The other line Southampton must worry about is relegation. With Schneiderlin and Rodriguez in the team, the squad would still be a strong bet to stay up. Now, the quality Saints can bring in will make-or-break their first division future.

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