Southampton’s Executive Director of Football Les Reed is hoping to welcome back a Victor Wanyama that is “fresh and ready” after the international break next week.
The Kenyan international has linked up with the national side ahead of his nations Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia.
The midfielder missed Sunday’s 3-0 win at St Mary’s against Norwich after Ronald Koeman described him as being “not mentally or physically good enough to play” following a stomach problem and pressure that was mounting on speculation over his future at the club.
Director Les Reed says that he is confident that the issues have been resolved and both parties are ready to move on with the season and the challenges they face ahead.
Reed explained “there was a lot of talk, and unfortunately that unsettles players.
“Talk leads to media hype, and it’s not good to be playing competitive matches with all of this going on in the background.”
There were a few clubs interested in the 24 year old, however, linking up with former boss Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham was said to be his first choice.
Reed continued “I don’t blame Victor because it is very unsettling for a young man who is very ambitious and wants to do well.
“Hopefully it’s died down now. There hasn’t been a serious bid for Victor, but the media would make you think that we were doing something right up to the last minute – and that’s certainly not been the case.”
Despite new speculation in the Daily Mail this morning that Wanyama is set to snub a new deal to push through a move in the summer to White Hart Lane. Les Reed is glad that the international break has come at this time, to encourage a settling down period after the close of the transfer window.
“It might work out very well that there’s an international break, so Victor can relax, go home, see friends and family as well as play for the Kenyan national team – which I know he loves – and then come back fresh and ready for our Premier League campaign.”
@clewes_matt
