Pochettino Plans Chelsea Raid

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino claims the Saints could sign a few Chelsea players this summer.

The Blues have been heavily linked with Southampton left-back Luke Shaw, after the 17-year-old broke into the Saints' first team this season and earned rave reviews for his performances in the English top flight. The Metro believes the west London side are close to a £10m move for the youngster.

However, Pochettino insists the Hampshire outfit will not let Chelsea snap up their highly rated youngster easily and also added they could raid Stamford Bridge instead, for some of the Blues' less-favoured players.

"Perhaps we will go and get some Chelsea players ourselves. I think that [executive chairman] Nicola Cortese staying is the best possible news for next season. That is very good for the squad, for the whole club. We will talk about the summer and the budgets with Nicola," the Argentine pointed out.

Southampton, who were promoted to the Premier League last year, finished the season 14th, after a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City on Sunday. However, Pochettino expressed his disappointment at not being able to round off their first campaign with a victory.

"I am very happy for the supporters and the tribute they had with the players as well but I am a little bit sad and disappointed we didn't win. I think we've been superior in the last six games that we've played but we haven't been able to close down games. That's why it may seem our performances might not be as good as they should have been but we've lacked that final touch to close down games and get wins," the 41-year-old said.

Pochettino Plans Move for Gamez

Southampton are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Malaga defender Jesus Gamez.

The Saints have handed Pochettino a £30m transfer budget to help the club finish in the top half of the table next season, according to the Mirror, and the manager's priority is to bolster a defence that conceded 60 league goals this term.

Gamez has made 26 La Liga and eight Champions League appearances for Malaga this season. And Pochettino feels the 28-year-old right-back will be an ideal addition to his squad ahead of the next campaign.

The report claims the former Espanyol boss is also weighing up moves for Valencia centre-back Victor Ruiz and Celtic's highly rated anchorman Victor Wanyama this summer.