News summary
Tonda Eckert now waits on the FA after his response deadline passed. One report suggests that the head coach could face a ten-match touchline ban and a heavy fine if the three Spygate charges are upheld.
There is a softer view too. Former Everton chief Keith Wyness has supported the opinion that Eckert has suffered enough and should get a suspended one-year ban that only bites if the club are caught spying again.
Nothing has been confirmed yet. Southampton continue to back Eckert, who took the side on a long unbeaten run after arriving in November.
On the pitch, the winning pre-season run is over. Lewis Dobbin put Saints ahead early in the second half on Wednesday, but two late Jano Ter Horst goals sealeda 2-1 defeat at Paderborn.
Attention now turns to the 1st August, when Saints face SC Preußen Münster in their next German friendly.
Transfer news
The Shea Charles chase has quickened, since GiveMeSport reports Leeds are confident of getting it done this week. They have raised their offer a third time toward the £30m Southampton want.
The player is pushing for it too. TeamTalk says Charles has made his feeling clear that he fancies the Elland Road move and a Premier League shot.
Charles rated 7.16 in the Championship last season on his FotMob profile. Crystal Palace remain the main threat if Leeds stall, after Fulham's earlier £24m fell short.
The striker hunt still points to Italy. Southampton stay in the frame for Como's Iván Azón.
He is valued around £4.3m on Transfermarkt, though the fee under discussion sits nearer £8.5m.
Saints Marching opinion
The Charles question is suddenly live. After weeks of Southampton holding firm at £30m, Leeds sound confident and the midfielder wants out, so a sale that felt far off now looks close.
Losing him would sting in a promotion year. A fee near £30m would fund the rebuild, though coverage has already warned Saints not to repeat past mistakes on a big-money exit.
There is a plan behind him. Cam Bragg forced his way into Eckert's rotation last season, and Flynn Downes stays on to anchor the middle, so the academy man would not be thrown in cold. Caspar Jander may yet stay at St Mary's, leaving the Saints with strength in depth.
The bigger cloud is still over the dugout. The issue of how little precedent exists makes clear that a ten-match ban would be a heavy blow on top of the four-point deduction Southampton already shoulder.
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