Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool wait as Schneiderlin demands move

The Saints have slammed the door and changed the locks at St Mary's to ensure that no more of their squad can slip out this summer. Having already seen Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers empty their lockers in the close season, Southampton fans were fearful that Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin would be next, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all linked with the two players. But Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger has told Sky Sports News he won't be doing any more deals between now and the end of next month.

"Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin are not for sale... they are part of the core that we have decided to keep in Southampton," explained Krueger. "They will be a part of our club as we enter the new season, and... we're excited to continue to build forward but all of those stories [linking the pair with a move] are false."

When asked if he could categorically assure Southampton fans the pair won't be sold Krueger replied: "That's correct." He then hinted that the Saints will embark upon a spending spree of their own next month, saying: "Now we have finances and once again we are excited to continue in the rebuilding process in the next few weeks. We will have players coming in. We will make transfers to strengthen the squad."

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But not everyone is happy. Metro says Schneiderlin gave Krueger a "blast" on Twitter after discovering that he would not be leaving St Mary's. "Six years of an amazing journey #saintsfc DESTROYED in 1 hour!!!" he raged. Metro says it is "unclear "what the Frenchman believes has been destroyed but it could "be a direct reference to Krueger's quotes, as the midfielder angles for a departure from the south coast club".

So desperate is he to escape Southampton's looming relegation dogfight that he has handed in a transfer request, according to the Daily Express, in a bid to be reunited with former boss Maurico Pochettino, now in charge of Spurs.

Meanwhile the Daily Star claims that Arsenal have not finished their summer shopping with manager Arsene Wenger "preparing to make a bid" for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Douglas Costa. It's been well documented in recent days that the Gunners are circling the Brazilian international and the Star claims Wenger will table a £15.8m bid for the South American playmaker this week. But the Frenchman should be on his guard against a rival bid from Manchester United who, says the Star, also covet Costa. Apparently United first expressed an interest in Costa in 2009 when then manager Alex Ferguson tried to sign Costa from Gremio.

One player who looks unlikely to be heading for the Emirates is German World Cup star Sami Khedira. According to the Evening Standard, reports in Spain are now linking the Real Madrid midfielder with a move to Bayern Munich.

He was thought to be Arsenal-bound until his personal demands threw a spanner in the works earlier this month.

It's a done deal between Liverpool and Lille for Belgian striker Divock Origi with The Sun one of several papers to carry news of the signing. It's believed the Reds handed over £9.5m (an initial £6m plus £3.5m in add-ons) for the 19-year-old, who will be loaned back to Lille this season. "I am very, very happy and delighted a club as big as Liverpool showed interest in me," said Origi, who featured for Belgium during their run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. "For me, Liverpool is one of the greatest clubs in the world and I'm very excited to be part of this great history."

Finally the Liverpool Echo reports that Ross Barkley has signed a new four-year deal with Everton. The 20-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough season at Goodison Park last campaign, playing 38 times for the Toffees and winning a place in England's World Cup squad. His form had sparked rumours that one of the Premier League big boys could make a move in the summer but Everton boss Roberto Martinez announced on Tuesday that blue will continue to be the colour for Barkley.

"This is a big, big moment and as every Evertonian will tell you, he is a player you will pay money to go and watch," said Martinez. "It also gives peace of mind and avoids any speculation. The reality is that we are desperately looking forward to this season and Ross is a major, major part of everything at Everton Football Club."