Malcolm Elias has assured Saints he will not be tempting Gareth Bale, left, to Liverpool.
Ex-Saints head of recruitment Elias left St Mary's for Anfield last week, heightening fears that left back Bale, 16, would be joining him.
Bale can't sign a professional contract with Southampton until July 16, his 17th birthday, but Elias has given all Saints fans the news they wanted to hear.
He said: "Gareth is at the best place he can be right now.
"I know he's very happy staying with the other academy players at The Lodge and I'm sure Rupert Lowe arranged a pre-contract agreement with Gareth before he left.
For full story - see today's Daily Echo
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