Southampton fire back after Spygate twist with ex-Sunderland chief in the frame

Southampton are showing no signs of backing down following the fallout from the ‘Spygate’ scandal, with chairman Dragan Solak insisting the club remains ambitious despite recent embarrassment.

The Saints were dramatically thrown out of the Championship play-off final after being found guilty of cheating, following revelations that an intern had been caught spying on Middlesbrough’s training sessions ahead of their semi-final showdown.

The controversy has placed head coach Tonda Eckert under investigation by the FA, with the Southampton boss expected to face a significant suspension, although Solak has continued to publicly support him.

Questions have also emerged surrounding the futures of key players, including Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Leo Scienza, amid uncertainty over the club’s direction after the scandal.

Despite the turmoil, Southampton are attempting to shift the focus back onto rebuilding, having already secured permanent deals for goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich and striker Cyle Larin from Mallorca.

Solak has now delivered a bullish message to supporters, insisting the club’s priority this summer is strengthening the squad rather than cashing in on star names.

“Our goal is not to make money, but to build a team of the same quality or an even stronger one for next season,” he told BBC Radio Solent, hinting that more transfer activity could soon follow.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Birmingham City are reportedly considering several high-profile names to replace Craig Gardner as director of football after an underwhelming return campaign ended in 10th place.

Former Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is believed to be under consideration, alongside FA chief football officer Dan Ashworth, who previously held senior roles at Newcastle United and Manchester United. Current Birmingham academy director Mike Rigg is also in contention.

Meanwhile, West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has become the latest player linked with a departure following the club’s relegation to the Championship. Everton are said to be interested, while Sunderland, Newcastle United, Fulham and Fenerbahçe are also monitoring the situation.

Burnley’s managerial search also continues, with Steven Gerrard still being linked to the Turf Moor vacancy after leaving Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in January 2025. However, reports suggest an appointment is not imminent despite ongoing speculation.

In Wales, Swansea City are edging closer to completing a move for Celtic defender Stephen Welsh. The centre-back, who recently agreed to end his contract early with the Scottish champions, is expected to become Vitor Matos’ first signing of the summer after attracting interest from other Championship clubs and MLS sides.