Yeah man I agree, an attacking playmaker(AP) and a striker would be ideal. I don't think we will sign both though, it'll be one or the other and as we have more options in the AP role it's more likely we'll sign a striker.
Think we really missed a trick with Tadic, he looked great against the RS he'd really bring the best out of a Rom.
'TadicGate' is the only transfer rumour/saga/fantasy that I've ever had any insight into.
We were very interested in January, and made an enquiry, but weren't willing to stoop up the £10mil for him.
Come this summer, we made an enquiry again, but Sotton made the first move. There was interest from Schalke, Wolfsburg (briefly), Besitjkas, AC Milan and Sevilla, but when the RS bought Lallana, Koeman wanted Tadic. At this point we were still (obviously) negotiating/saving for Lukaku, and RM didn't want to spend big money on Tadic (even though he was a target) and miss out on Lukaku.
Sotton's first bid (that was accepted) was in the region of £8.5mil. When there were rumours of us moving in, it was because we had agreed to pay over £9mil, but that was our final (and only) offer. We were definitely in talks, but it was just with Twente. The player was still in Holland at this point, so he would have gone to the highest bidder - nothing to do with wages or anything - just to who the club decided to sell to. As it turned out, Sotton came back in with a deal closer to £11mil, and that was that.
He'll shine this season as he's a very good player - and when he gets into gear he will be the entire focal point of Southampton's attack. He's also a lad that has never pushed for a move, and is happy to see out contracts, but he'll probably be worth £15-£20mil this time next year.
