Southampton boss Ronald Koeman admits he attempted to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay before the start of the season.
Depay is rated Holland's big, new star and now has the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid monitoring his form.
"Memphis is fast, focused and physically strong. Southampton would have been an excellent stepping stone to the top of the Premier League for him," lamented Koeman.
"He would have had time to learn the level and would have had two Dutch coaches who have great confidence in him, but he chose to stay at PSV.
"A great shame for us but also for him."
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