It’s not like Ibe is a big striker and he’ll score goals for a lot of teams, but he is a real, reliable presence at the heart of Southampton’s defence.
The 20-year-old is an integral part of the side’s backline and has been linked with a move to West Ham in recent weeks.
The Saints are not in a position to make a huge offer to Ibe, who is yet to feature for the club this season.
They are only interested in acquiring a striker and the player’s agent has been in contact with Southampton to ask if he is on their radar.
West Ham have also been linked to Southampton striker Jordon Padelli.
Padellis agent has also met with the club and will be present at the transfer window.
What will happen in January?
Ibe is not expected to leave Southampton until the end of January.
However, the Saints will want to get their deal done by the deadline as they look to avoid the relegation battle they are in.
Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that a deal is on the table, but Pochettinos is confident of keeping Ibe at the club until the summer.
“Jordon is a very important player for Southampton,” Pochetto said.
“We have a contract which lasts until 2021.
We can’t do anything until then, but we can’t wait and hope that he stays at Southampton for another year.”
It’s the same with our players and we hope that they stay with us for another two or three years.
“I hope we can keep Jordon here for the whole of next season.
If we do, then he’s going to be one of the best players in the Premier League.”
Should Ibe join West Ham, I wonder if he will play in the Champions League?
There is always a chance that Ibe could be in the squad for the Champions league, but there are also several other big-name players who could make their way to Upton Park.
Lampard, for instance, could play a part in the competition, but would be unlikely to feature as a substitute.
Should Ibes arrival be confirmed, he could be a key figure for Southampton.
