Southampton manager wants to hold on to Lambert and Ramirez

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that the club intends to keep hold of striker Rickie Lambert and playmaker Gaston Ramirez beyond this summer.

The 31 year old striker has been the Saints' top scorer last term with 15 goals and the manager admitted that he has no plans of letting him go.


"We count on Rickie," said Pochettino in the Daily Echo following the weekend friendly against Besiktas.


"We are happy with him. I didn't know there was any interest in him. This is a surprise for me."


Ramirez moved to St. Mary's Stadium in the beginning of last season from Serie A side Bologna and has been rumored to be on his way back to Italy. Inter Milan are reportedly interested in the talented Uruguay international but Pochettino claims that the 22 year old is happy at the club.


Pochettino added: "I just listen to Gaston. Not his agent. Gaston is happy here and we expect him to stay and to put a lot into the team."