Adkins warns clubs over starlets

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has issued a hands-off warning to any clubs interested in signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Premier League sides Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all reportedly tracking the 17-year-old Saints midfielder, who has scored four goals in 16 League One appearances this season.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been dubbed the next Theo Walcott but Adkins insists he will not be leaving St Mary's.

"He's part of the club's future," Adkins said in The People.

"We have a lot of talented players and I can see why Premier League clubs might come knocking.

"But we are in a sound financial position and do not need to sell anyone. There have not been any bids and nor would they be welcome."

Oxlade-Chamberlain burst onto the scene at Southampton earlier in the year, making his first-team debut in March to become the club's second-youngest ever player behind Walcott.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.