Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has confirmed Sadio Mane will play against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup this weekend and dismissed reports the forward could leave the club this month.

Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to make a January transfer bid to sign Victor Wanyama from Southampton.

Furious Ronald Koeman dropped Mane for arriving late for a team meeting at Norwich - and has warned him this week he could be exiled "in the stands" if he pushes for a transfer.

"A lot of people in the media think he is trying to force through a transfer, but he told the club that he is still happy at Southampton and will continue here", Koeman told the club's official YouTube channel. Of course, you see in some situations but that's all about rhythm and game minutes, but it is too soon for him in my opinion [for him to be ready to play against Palace].

"If there is any player thinking if his behaviour is not good that it makes it more easier for the player [to leave], then I'll put the player in the stands until the end of their contract", said Koeman.

"I don't like talking about names, about players", he stated, saying he wouldn't do so as such players "play for a team" already.

"We always play like the home team, even when we play away", said Koeman.

"So there haven't really been too many rumours about our players going out and I hope it stays like that".

However, the main obstacle is still Southampton's requested price: The English club announced that they the player will not be sold for less than 40 million euros.