Athletic Bilbao win Memorial Cup

Spanish side Athletic Bilbao lifted the first Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup after defeating both Southampton and Werder Bremen.

Southampton brushed aside Bremen with a 3-0 win, setting up the final showdown with the Spaniards. However, a second-string Saints team struggled to compete with Bilbao - who ended the game with a great goal with the last kick of the game.

Southampton 3-0 Werder Bremen

Southampton looked comfortable going forward against the German giants. Adam Lallana looked very sharp, and Alex Chamberlain and Jack Cork also impressed. A long through ball sent David Connolly through on goal and he finished with a smart shot to give Saints the opening goal.

With Lallana and Cork controlling midfield, German international Marko Marin was frustrated as he looked in search of an equaliser. A quick break from Alex Chamberlain sent Guly do Prado through, and the Brazilian's shot deflected off Bremen goalkeeper Sebastian Mielitz and crept into the net.

With Southampton in full control, Marin and Aaron Hunt tried their best to give their sid a chance. However, it was to no avail as Lallana bagged Southampton's third strike, scoring from close range.

The result probably flatted Saints, but Lallana and Cork looked very comfortable, and Connolly looked sharp.

Werder Bremen 1-2 Athletic Bilbao

In an entertaining game, Athletic Bilbao showed why they finished sixth in La Liga last season. The Spaniards' passing play was very attractive, with World Cup winner Fernando Llorente and David Lopez particularly impressive. The German side made nine changes, with Marko Arnautovic and Markus Rosenburg giving Bremen more attacking options.

However, Bilbao dominated and went ahead after a superb free-kick from Igor Gabilondo gave Tim Wiese no chance. Llorente had a powerful header cleared off the line, before the Germans drew level with a well-worked goal. Good work by Aaron Hunt set up Philipp Bargfrede who finished with a powerful volley.

Almost instantly a great ball in from Lopez found Gazika Toquero who tapped the ball home from close range to restore the Spaniards' lead, with no way back for Bremen.

Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Southampton

Southampton unveiled their new away kit as they lined up for the final game of the tournament against Bilbao. The yellow and blue kit is reminiscent of Brazil, but some of Southampton's play in the final game was more like Barnet than Brazil.

The second-string Saints team had trouble gelling. Radhi Jaidi looked out of his depth, making uncomfortable mistakes and some terrible positioning. One of Jaidi's mistakes was pounced on by Ibai Gomez. His shot was well saved by Kelvin Davis, but Igor Martinez was on hand to strike from close range.

Saints finally came to life, with Lee Barnard and Richard Chaplow looking threatening. Southampton pumped long balls into the Bilbao box, but no-one could create an opening. Davis left his goal in the closing stages in search of an equaliser from a late corner, but the goalkeeper couldn't connect- and instead collided with his opposite number Raul Fernandez.

With Saints running out of time to force penalties, Bilbao bowed out with a stunning goal with the last kick of the game. A delightful passing move was finished off by Markel Susaeta with a delicate chip.

The Spanish side collected the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup, having been the best team during the tournament. Saints will take heart from performances from Adam Lallana, Jack Cork and David Connolly. However, defensively Saints may need tightening up as their Championship campaign draws closer. Rickie Lambert did not feature for Saints, neither did new singing Steve De Ridder.

Why Chamberlain isn't ready for the Premiership

Alex Chamberlain has insisted he is ready to step up to the Premier League this season.

The 17-year-old impressed for Southampton in League One last season, helping his side gain automatic promotion to the Championship. However, very few players have successfully made the step up from the third tier to the Premier League.

Speaking to The Sun, Chamberlain said: "I've heard Arsenal are in for me and to join a top-four club is what I hope for.

"When the bus comes along, you have to jump on it and make the most of your opportunities. It's not every day you get a chance like that. I believe in my own ability and that I have what it takes to play in the Premier League.

"I've been at Southampton since I was seven and enjoyed every minute of it. They've brought me up in a really good way. The fans and the manager have been great and the club have made me what I am today.

"But I feel it's time for the next step. The way I see it, the Premier League is where I aspire to play. You aren't at the top of the game until you get there.

"I could spend a year in the Championship and, though this might sound negative, I could get injured and that opportunity might be lost. The next year another young star could come through and the opening might not come around again."

In 2010, Sol Campbell moved from Notts County to Arsenal. Although past his best, the former England and Tottenham star looked off the pace - only making 11 appearances on his return to the Gunners.

Liverpool snapped up highly-rated Jonjo Shelvey from Charlton. Since his arrival at Anfield a year ago the youngster has only featured 15 times for the Reds. Shelvey is still young, but Chamberlain has insisted he is ready to play Premier League football.

However, even Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale found it hard to break into top teams, and they had proven themselves in the Championship.

Chamberlain is a fantastic prospect for any top Premier League club. However, it seems an almighty risk to sign the 17-year-old based on ten goals in League One. The youngster will play for a big team, but he surely isn't ready to make the leap just yet.

Both Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott stood out in the Championship, earning them big moves to Tottenham and Arsenal respectively. If Chamberlain can prove himself this season, there is no reason why he will not feature in a Premier League squad in the following season.

However, if Chamberlain was to make the big move this summer, he would be lucky to find himself on the bench at Arsenal. The Gunners have several youngsters who fancy breaking into the first team. If Chamberlain can stand out in the Championship, he will stand head and shoulders above Arsenal's many talented youngsters.

New striker to sign before weekend tournament

Saints boss Nigel Atkins has hinted a new striker could line up for his side at this weekend's Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup.

Jack Cork was Southampton's first capture of the summer, signing earlier this month from Chelsea. Speculation has been mounting about Saints bringing in a striker, but nothing has been made public.

Speaking of the weekend's tournament, Atkins told Sky Sports: "The lads are going to be performing and, you never know, there might be one or two new players in addition to our fantastic football club by then.

"There's a lot of speculation about and we've been working very hard behind the scenes."

Many different players have been linked with a move to St Mary's, including Southampton schoolboy Lukas Jutkiewicz from Coventry and highly-rated Bristol City scorer Nicky Maynard.

The pressure is now on for Atkins to sign someone. With youngster Alex Chamberlain asking for a Premier League move, the Southampton management have done well not to draw attention to the 17-year-old's wish to play in the top tier this season.

With many of the top teams having already splashed a fair amount of money over the summer, the only big club in need of bolstering their midfield appears to be Arsenal. The pressure is on Arsene Wenger to spend as the Gunners brace themselves for losing some of their top stars.

Even without Chamberlain, Southampton could potentially have a good season in the Championship. However, another striker is key to any success. Rickie Lambert would benefit from a regular striking partner, and we may see him arrive this week.

Southampton host Werder Bremen and Athletic Bilbao at St Mary's this Saturday.

FC Biel-Bienne 3-3 Southampton

Saints' first pre-season tour got off to an eventful start with Alex Chamberlain grabbing his side a late equaliser.

The first game on Southampton's Swiss tour saw the visitors get off to the perfect start. Lee Holmes' pinpoint cross found David Connolly to head Saints ahead after six minutes. In a carbon copy of the opening goal, Holmes again found Connolly to double the away side's lead.

Saints looked comfortable, however, the home side woke up and piled the pressure on their opponents. Marco Mathys' low deflected drive wrong-footed Bartosz Bialkowski midway through the first half.

Adam Lallana and Connolly stood out in the first half as Southampton held a 2-1 lead at the break. Saints changed their entire team at the break. Kaua Safari took advantage of a sluggish start to the second half from Saints, slotting home after a good through ball to tie up the scores.

The inexperience of Saints in the second half allowed Biel to dominate, and they took the lead with less than ten minutes remaining. Southampton failed to clear their lines from a corner and Safari was on hand to grab his second goal of the game to make it 3-2.

Southampton didn't give up, however, and it was Alex Chamberlain who had the last say. Moments after going behind, the youngster hit a perfect shot past the Biel goalkeeper. The game ended level with Saints given a good first test on their pre-season tour.

New signing Jack Cork did not feature for Saints, as did Kelvin Davis and Lee Barnard. Southampton face FC St Gallen on Saturday.

Saints to host Werder Bremer and Athletic BIlbao

Southampton have lined up two of Europe's biggest names for the first Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup.

The triangular tournament which takes places at St Mary's on Saturday July 23, will feature Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga and Athletic Club Bilbao of the Spanish La Liga.

The format of the tournament will see a round robin where teams will play 45-minute games, with draws decided by a penalty shootout. It will give the Saints team a good pre-season test against two top clubs.

It will also allow Saints fans a first glimpse of their team in their new home strip. Southampton's former owner Liebherr died suddenly last year of a heart attack, leaving control of the club in the hands of Nicola Cortese.

"The framework of the Memorial Cup will serve as a great occasion to honour the memory of Markus. It has been designed as the perfect event for all three teams involved in regards to their preparation for the forthcoming season, and is a great day out for the fans in which they get to watch three top class teams in action," said Cortese.

"I am very pleased to have been able to attract clubs like Athletic Bilbao and Werder Bremen considering this type of event hasn't been attempted before, and I know that Markus would have been proud to see the standard that we have set in the inaugural cup competition in his honour."

Saints sign Chelsea youngster Cork

Southampton have made their first signing of the summer by snapping up young Chelsea midfielder Jack Cork.

The 22-year-old featured for Burnley on loan last season, and spent time on loan at St Mary's in 2008. A youngster with vast experience of the Championship, he gives Saints boss Nigel Atkins a solid central midfield with Adam Lallana, Morgan Schneiderlin and Guly do Prado set to also feature next season.

Competition for places will be hot at Southampton, and it can only be a positive note for the club. Saints are known for a slick passing style of play, and more strength in depth could be key to any success next season.

Atkins' search for new players will not end with Cork. Still on the shopping list is another striker and an experienced defender. The unlikely capture of John Arne Riise looks even more unlikely following Martin Jol confirming the ex-Liverpool player is to undergo a medical at Fulham.

Hot on the radar appears to be Coventry striker, and former Southampton schoolboy Lukas Jutkiewicz. According to Skysports the youngster could be on his way to St Mary's. However, Saints fans may have to wait for news of new additions to the squad. Atkins' side jet off to Switzerland for a pre-season tour next week.

With a couple more additions, Southampton could do very well in the Championship next season. With questions still remaining over the future of Alex Chamberlain, stability will be vital in a very tough division.

While no-one can expect Southampton to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League, things are once again looking bright for Southampton after years of turmoil.

See what Southampton's new signing Jack Cork can do with highlights of his Premier League debut.

Lambert extends contract, Chamberlain to stay

Saints striker Rickie Lambert has extended his contact at St Mary's, keeping him at the club until 2014.

The former Blackpool trainee has been in hot form since his move from Bristol Rovers in 2009. As Nigel Adkins looks to improve his scoring options, it seems clear Adkins is looking for a partner for Lambert.

Lambert has even indicated he would like to see out the remainder of his career at St Mary's.

Chamberlain to stay at St Mary's?

In other good news for Soutampton, Adkins revealled no bids have been received for teenage star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 17-year-old has been linked wit a big-money move to Premier League clubs, most notably Arsenal. However, so far no-one has tried to pry the teenager away from St Mary's.

New signings to be made

Saints ave been linked with bringing ex-Liverpool defender John Arne Riise back to English football. The Roma player may not figure in manager Luis Enrique's plans for next season as the big spending club look to challenge for the Serie A title. Soutampton have also been linked with a host of different strikers.

If Chamberlain does remain at Southampton, it will surely only be a matter of time before he moves on. The youngster would probably stay if Saints gain promotion to the Premier League, which is extremely unlikely in their first season back in the Championship.

Gareth Bale, Andrew Surman and Theo Walcott all left Southampton in order to secure Premier League football. Bale and Walcott are now thriving despite possibly leaving Saints a bit too early. After an unsuccessful stint at Wolves, Surman helped Norwich gain Premier League promotion last season.