Southampton players believe Dani Osvaldo's bust-up with Jose Fonte was part of a plan to get a move away.
The People says the Argentine-born Italian striker was immediately suspended following Wednesday's training-ground fracas which, according to sources, left blood everywhere.
And there are suspicions among some of the Saints' squad that Osvaldo's response could have been premeditated in a bid to force his way out in the transfer window.
There had never been any problems between the pair before and the challenge is said not to have warranted the response it got from the frontman.
Saints issued a statement on Thursday that said: "Southampton FC has today suspended striker Dani Osvaldo for two weeks following an incident at the club's Staplewood training ground.
"The club has taken swift and proper action for what it considers a breach of the conduct expected of its players. Southampton will be making no further comment on this matter."
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