Ronald Koeman slams Everton link: He could sign new contract with Southampton next week

RONALD KOEMAN has ruled himself out of the Everton job – and could sign a new Southampton contract as early as next week.

Posted Saturday, May 14, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk

The Merseyside club are desperate for the Dutchman to replace Roberto Martinez – promising a £100m kitty and a hefty wages.

But Koeman, who has one year left on his current Saints deal, insists he is going nowhere.

When asked directly whether he will stay at Southampton rather than jump ship he simply answered: “Yes.”

''I know nothing about it. I am manager of Southampton, everybody knows I have one more year contract.

''We will sit together, analyse this season and analyse the future.

''I can understand the club worrying about the future, about players and signings, that they like to know if the manager would like to stay for more years.

''It is possible I could sign a contract next week but that is always depending on the conversation.

''I know the thoughts of the club for the future and my position but I think what I have to do as a manager first is prepare the team for the last game.

''It is a good moment to sit together next week and we will see what happens.”

Koeman has enjoyed two record breaking season as Saints, after moving from Feyenoord in 2014.

He took the club into Europe for the first time in 12 years last season and achieved their highest Premier League finish – a double he could repeat this season if he can mastermind a win against Crystal Palace tomorrow.

He added: “Everybody knows how we like to grow and like to improve and that we want to fight for and win titles or fight for European football on a regular basis.

''That is sometimes difficult because it isn’t all about money, as Leicester showed this season.

''But it is important to know what we can do to improve our team and be stronger, in my opinion that is ambition.”

Saints gave an indication of their ambition by yesterday by tying down Chelsea target Fraser Forster to a five year contract and academy graduate James Ward-Prowse until 2022.