The media in the West Midlands is reporting that Wolves have ended their interest in Mario Lemina after Saints stood firm on it being a permanent deal or no deal at all.

Wolves wanted Mario Lemina, but it seems that they were not so impressed with him that they were willing to pay out big money for a player that has a reputation for not being that consistent on the field and his attitude off it.

Therefore they wanted to take the midfielder on loan with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season if things worked out, perhaps a year ago Saints would have caved in and cut their losses, but this is a different club these days and they have told Wolves that it is a permanent deal or nothing and named their price.

Whether this is merely the usual Mexican stand offs frequent as a transfer deadline approaches and the two clubs will thrash out a last day deal is yet to be clean, but Saints have made their position clear, they will not be blackmailed into letting the player go just because he has burnt his bridges.

Ralph Hasenhuttl made that clear from the start, isolating Lemina from the first team squad and it seems that the club are willing to let the player rot with the academy if no agreement can be made for a permanent deal.

Certainly Lemina seems to have been convinced by his agent that the big clubs wanted him, but that didn't turn out to be the case with both Manchester United and Arsenal apparently being interested but turning out not to be at all.

Even Everton who are willing to throw money at virtually anything that moves these days, baulked at Lemina, leaving just Wolves interest but seemingly even they don't rate him highly enough to risk actually spending money on him.

It is a stand off at the moment, whether Saints will have their valuation met or will be offered a loan deal that suits them is yet to be seen tomorrow, otherwise Lemina's agent will be left to tout him around Europe for a fortnight till the window on the continent slams shut.

Photo: Action Images

HythePeer added 22:00 - Aug 7 "Blackmail" is a bit harsh😲
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Saidou added 05:46 - Aug 8 "Blackmail " isn't harsh in this scenario Hythepeer. Perhaps you have a better suited word? Lemina believed he is too good for us. Bigger than us because of his Juve history. When he hasn't proved anything on the pitch so far. PL clubs want to see what you can do in the pitch, Then with the right attitude they will risk millions for you. He apparently is so dumb to know that in the first place. Let him rot with the U8s. His wages and transfer fees will be peanuts if we stay in the PL.

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wibbersda added 10:44 - Aug 8 Well if he doesn't go then he is going to actually have to prove himself for a move. It might solve his inconsistency and apathy. Quality, when he can be bothered, is not good enough in this League.
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Santos added 10:44 - Aug 8 Lemina, Carrilo Elyounoussi & Hoedt unless he is staying?? all more likely to go in the remaining European window. I think only Austin will be moving today. Whether we get anyone in is becoming less likely especially as the Saints PR spin has already started announcing extended contracts of existing players!!! Great news but just feels like it's setting up for a quiet day ????

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