Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are all reportedly after the 17-year-old’s signature and the winger has this week insisted he is now ready for a move to the Premier League.
Adkins understands the starlet’s ambition but is hopeful he decides against taking the plunge so early in his career and aids the club’s return to the Championship instead.
Adkins told Sky Sports News: “Obviously in the last couple of days there have been a few comments that have come out nationally.
“The expectation for a 17-year-old boy and his parents to be linked with big football clubs obviously will play on people’s minds, but I think he’s handled himself ever so well, and he’s loved at Southampton.
“We believe it’s better for him to stay at Southampton and play his football and keep developing.
“We’ve got to try to make sure we look after a young boy who’s handled himself ever so well but has been placed in a situation with speculation.
“It’s speculation with big football clubs people always dream about.”
Originally posted here:
Southampton manager Nigel Adkins urges Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay amid Arsenal & Liverpool interest