George Rees-Julian

1 week ago | dailyecho.co.uk | George Rees-Julian

New Southampton manager Still watched from the stands as Stewart ended his two-year wait for a goal on the final day of the season against Arsenal on Sunday. The 28 year old Scottish striker has struggled with injury since joining Saints from Sunderland two years ago, but has recently enjoyed his longest run of games. Stewart has featured in the last eight matches and managed 70 minutes, his longest appearances, in last weekend's 2-1 defeat to the Gunners.

1 week ago | dailyecho.co.uk | George Rees-Julian

Saints are said to have watched Sturm Graz right-back Johnston "very closely" this season, with a view to signing him as a replacement for Kyle Walker-Peters. The 21 year old has just won his second Austrian Bundesliga title and became a full Scotland international in March. Sky Sports have reported that Saints, along with Atalanta, Augsburg and Hamburg, are interested in the Middlesbrough-born defender, who is valued at £3million.

1 week ago | dailyecho.co.uk | George Rees-Julian

Stephens, who became skipper following James Ward-Prowse's exit in 2023, wanted to lead by example with the armband, but confessed that it has not been possible this term. He was not one to shout at teammates in his first year as captain, which culminated in winning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. The 31 year old, who recently played his 200th Premier League game, has held more conversations with players this season in a bid to turn around a turgid campaign.

1 week ago | dailyecho.co.uk | George Rees-Julian

Downes broke his silence to thank supporters for their "continued support" and hopes to repay that "loyalty" next season. The midfielder has endured an up-and-down campaign on a personal note, having dropped out of the team under Ivan Juric after a public disagreement. Croatian manager Juric hit out at Downes and revealed there were "problems" after Saints turned down an approach from Ipswich Town during the winter window.

1 week ago | dailyecho.co.uk | George Rees-Julian

Championship play-off runners-up Sheffield United signed Brereton Diaz on loan in January, in a deal which contained an option to buy. The Blades were anticipated to trigger that clause if they were promoted back to the Premier League, but suffered a late 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Wembley last Saturday. Brereton Diaz lasted less than 20 minutes in the final, having come on as a second-half substitute while Chris Wilder's side held a 1-0 lead.