Southampton want to make the loan deal for Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand permanent.
Bertrand has slotted effortlessly into the Saints defence this season. And Saints boss Koeman wants to keep the youngster at St Mary’s after his season-long deal ends.
Bertrand was signed by Southampton as a replacement for Luke Shaw, who was sold to Manchester United for £27M.
Koeman said: “If we have the money, yes. If it’s up to me, yes. Maybe it’s too early to talk about that but I am very happy until now with the performance of Ryan.”
The Dutchman has also backed Bertrand to follow Saints team-mate Nathaniel Clyne into the England squad.
Koeman added:
“Ryan’s still a young player and the best way to develop is to play every weekend.
“I spoke to him about that, and both are full-backs that I like, because one is defending, but another, if you like to dominate and play offensively, you need attacking full-backs.
“And I’m very happy about that.
“Nathaniel’s just got to continue doing what he’s been doing – and then do more.
“You can always do more, but then finally you need the call from the coach.
“And with Ryan he has made a great start and is the same, he just needs to keep going.”
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
