Southampton battle off Marseille & Lille interest in Robise

Marseille and Lille are interested in signing Enzo Robise from Southampton, but the Premier League side are determined to hold on to one of their most promising players.

Robise arrived at St Mary's from Reims last year after he impressed the English side's scouts while playing for France Under 17s. The 17-year old then signed his first professional contract in July which ties him to the club until 2021.

The young winger has made a big impact at Southampton already, showing to be a prolific goal scorer and creator in the Premier League 2.

Robise's excellent displays in the Saints' youth system has convinced many at the club that he is one of their top talents and is seen as capable of taking on a key role in the first team.

However, his displays in the youth team have only attracted interest from elsewhere, and the likes of Marseille and Lille are willing to offer him a route back to his homeland.

Southampton have no interest in letting him go, though, and even expect Robise to be given a chance in the first-team in the next few months.

And the Frenchman is happy with life in England so far.

"Before making the decision [to join Southampton], I hesitated a very long time," he said to Onze Mondial in July. "Frankly, the change of language and the change of country made me think. I knew my habits were going to be broken. 

"After careful consideration, I understood that a move to another country could do me good. I was aware that this new adventure could develop me as a human, allow me to discover other things and learn a new language. Looking back, I think I was right to leave.

"I have already had the chance to train with the professionals. It's special. At first, I had a hard time believing it. When the coach gave my name to join the group, I was stressed out. I thought: 'It's not possible, he did not say my name there'. 

"In my first training session, I struggled during the first 10 minutes, but then I got into it and I did good things... I hope to make my professional debut this season."