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Southampton FC eye Tottenham winger Andros Townsend as Sadio Mane Replacement

By Robert Molnar

J; Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Andros Townsend Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
J; Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Andros Townsend Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Though Southampton FC has denied that they have received a bid for star winger Sadio Mane or even that the club will sell the player this summer, that apparently has not stopped even manager Ronald Koeman from beginning to look for suitable replacements.

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The Sunday Express reports that even though Southampton FC have no plan to sell Sadio Mane this summer, the club have already begun scouting for suitable replacements. One such player believed to be on that list is Tottenham winger Andros Townsend.

With only ten starts last season for Spurs, many believe that Tottenham are shopping the want-away winger around in order to simply offload him from the roster. Rated at £12 million, the one time England international is likely desperate for a move given this summer’s upcoming European Championship.

At 24-years of age, Andros Townsend still likely has his best years ahead of him. Moving to a club where he can see quality minutes and starts will do him well in the future. Improving on his quality, the Englishman could become one of England’s best wing players with proper development.

Joining Southampton FC would give him just that, proper development. Home to — arguably — the world’s best academy system, Southampton could provide Andros Townsend with the coaching and minutes needed to see the winger develop from good to great.

However, don’t count on this move happening this summer. The only way Saint supporters will see the current Spurs man suit up in the red and white is if Southampton FC manager decides to sell star winger Sadio Mane.

Having already sold star player Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United this summer, it is highly unlikely that Ronald Koeman will also sell Sadio Mane to his managerial rival in Louis van Gaal.

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Speaking to the press before the Saints match at Watford, Ronald Koeman revealed his hard line response on whether or not the Senegalese winger would be leaving the South Coast this summer.

"“Mane wants to stay. He showed against Midtjylland what he likes to do. He knows that there’s no bid for the player. His agent knows. He knows. The club knows. I know. Everybody knows.”"

Whether these words from Ronald Koeman are true or not, Southampton FC must do everything possible to hold onto Mane. Losing a third star player after the difficult start to the season the club has currently endured could be deadly to the side’s Premier League and Europa League chances this season.

However, knowing Southampton FC are preparing for a possible departure by Sadio Mane is a positive sign. Given Andros Townsend’s past history, the Englishman could be a quality replacement for Sadio Mane.

Next: Everton Close to Two Signings

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