Oxlade-Chamberlain begs Saints: Let me leave

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has pleaded with Southampton not to wreck his dream of playing in the Premier League next season.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are all keen to snap up the 17-year-old Saints wonderkid, who is rated at £12million.

But the Mirror understands that Southampton chairman Nicola Cortese is refusing even to speak to interested parties.

"Southampton, and especially the fans, have been brilliant to me ever since I broke into the first team," said Oxlade-Chamberlain last night.

"It has been fantastic helping them to get promoted. But now I feel I'm ready to play in the Premier League."

Cortese appeared ready to sanction a deal after holding talks with Manchester United and Arsenal in January.

The Saints supremo, however, is understood to have made a string of eye-catching demands - including a 50 per cent sell-on clause and the loan back of the player for the second half of last season - that stalled negotiations.

United have since turned their attentions to Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, while City are homing in on Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri.

Oxlade-Chamberlain delivered 10 goals and two assists in all competitions last season and played a big role in helping the Saints win promotion to the Championship.

His heroics also earned him a place in the League One Team of the Year.

Source: Daily Mirror

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