Southampton boss Nigel Adkins insists that the Club is in no mood to do business with Arsenal for left-back Luke Shaw.
Just hours after the 17-year-old starlet had put in an impressive New Year’s Day shift during their 1-1 draw with the Gunners stories emerged that Arsene Wenger was planning a £5 million move for the young defender.
Wenger who has previously plucked the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from the South Coast in recent years offered up a glowing testimonial to the done at Southampton’s Academy.
“The question about Southampton’s Academy set-up is a very good one because they have done a fabulous job,” Wenger said.
“It is down to the quality of their scouting, the quality of their coaching and education.”
“We produce some technically-gifted players but not as many as Southampton. It is exceptional what they have done. The three wingers (Gareth Bale, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott) and Luke Shaw – that is a good way to study what they have done. They have brought through some players with top, top quality and they work well.”
However, while Adkins is delighted to hear rival managers compliment the youth development efforts of his club he maintains that they are not looking to cash in on Shaw – who has made just 13 senior appearances.
“I think Luke gets linked every week with Arsenal, doesn’t he?” said Adkins.
“Luke is under contract and he is playing football for us in the Premier League, which is important – We are not looking to let him go anywhere.”
“If anyone wants to come in for any of our players, by all means speak to the Chairman. He does the deals and all the best with that.”
Shaw was last month named as League Football Education’s Apprentice of the Month for November after excelling on the pitch and in the classroom.
