:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46080424/GettyImages-142846190.0.jpg)
The Dutch coach has overseen a successful campaign on the South Coast, but with first choice shot-stopper Fraser Forster out with a long-term knee injury newspaper reports suggested that the Australian would be a target for the Saints. Indeed, it would be a cheap deal for the Premier League side if the 30-year-old sees out his contract with Reading and becomes a free agent in the summer.
However, speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's game with Hull, Koeman refuted the speculation and even suggested he had no knowledge of the Royals goalie.
Koeman denies #saintsfc are keen on Federici: 'You have been linked to Federici?': "Who?" 'He plays for #Readingfc'. "No, it's not true".
— Nabil Hassan (@NabilHassan79) April 9, 2015
Koeman, no doubt, may have been caught off guard by a question on a player he genuinely wasn't scouting - but, it's hardly the best response when asked about a former Premier League player who is also an Australian international (and a realistic 'decent signing').
Nevertheless, Royals fans will be heartened to hear that there is less interest in our Number One than previously though. Although, it is a timely reminder that Feds' deal with the club runs out in just a couple of months, and that this gossip is likely to grow in the coming weeks.