Le Tissier: Don't Bale out on Saints

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Wales and Southampton full-back has also been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal but Spurs appear to be leading the race for his signature with reports suggesting 17-year-old has completed a medical at the club's training ground.

But Le Tissier said: "I would certainly like him to stay for at least one more season. I think as a young boy it's important he has a good grounding in the game before he actually moves on."

Le Tissier, who spent his entire career with Southampton between 1986 and 2002, actually signed a contract to move to White Hart Lane in 1991, but opted to remain on the South coast.

He added: "When you go to a big club, I think it's proven with Theo Walcott, I think Theo moved a bit early and he has gone backwards a little since he's been at Arsenal and I hope Gareth doesn't do the same.

"Maybe another season in the Southampton side would do him a world of good before moving on.

"I've seen him play quite a bit now. I've been very impressed and going forward he's one of the best left-backs I've seen. I think he will get better defensively when he gets older.

"I think he will be a top-class player and I think he will play for one of the big teams and I think he is destined for big things."