SAINTS have fined Alex Chamberlain for giving two interviews in which the teenage starlet said he wants to leave the club for a switch to the Premier League.

Saints have moved swiftly and decisively to show their displeasure with the 17-yearold, pictured, for conducting what are believed to be unauthorised interviews with the Daily Mirror and The Sun.

In them, Chamberlain eloquently explained his desire to move to the top flight this summer, with Arsenal still interested in taking him to the Emirates Stadium.

Saints have been digging their heels in over the potential move, demanding this summer, with Arsenal still interested in taking him to the Emirates Stadium.

Saints have been digging their heels in over the potential move, demanding a hefty price for the youngster who has now made it clear he sees his future away from St Mary’s.

The fine is unlikely to act as an incentive to get Chamberlain to change his mind and the problem now for the club, and manager Nigel Adkins, is how to deal with the situation.

Keeping a player on principle is all very well but does not make good business sense.

Also, the last thing the club need heading into an important season in the Championship is a rather large distraction hanging over them.

As long as Chamberlain is still at the club there will be questions and speculation while the possibility he could leave towards the end of the window may make it much harder for Saints in terms of planning their squad for the upcoming campaign.

Chamberlain has been linked with a host of clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

But it has always been Arsenal that have led the chase for the youngster, just as they did when they landed Theo Walcott from Saints in 2006.

“I guess seeing what has happened with Theo and Gareth (Bale) inspires me,” reflected Chamberlain.

“Although they didn’t jump straight into the first team when they moved, they’ve pushed on to better things. So I take confidence from that.

“Obviously you are going to be a bit apprehensive going into the Premier League. But you have to take risks.

“If you step up and it doesn’t work out, you have to hold your hands up. But if you believe in yourself and you’re willing to work, which I am, there’s endless amounts you can achieve.

“My teammates understand my position. And I’m sure if they had this chance they wouldn’t turn it down.

“It’s the same with anyone in any line of work. If you can better yourself, it’s silly not to want to move on and do it.”

Chamberlain insisted he was not being forced into any possible move, either by an agent or his father, former footballer Mark Chamberlain.

“Of course I talk to dad about it. He’s probably the biggest influence on my career so far and I trust him and listen to him a lot,” said Chamberlain jnr.

“He gives me advice but knows it’s my decision and doesn’t force me into anything.

“For any boy who plays football, there’s only one place to play and that’s at the top. Until you get there, you’re always striving for it.

“Then once you’re there, you want to win titles, play for England and become a top professional.”

a hefty price for the youngster who has now made it clear he sees his future away from St Mary’s.

The fine is unlikely to act as an incentive to get Chamberlain to change his mind and the problem now for the club, and manager Nigel Adkins, is how to deal with the situation.

Keeping a player on principle is all very well but does not make good business sense.