Southampton have set their sights on Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh, but are prepared to wait in order to land a cut-price deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Luton Town and was a part of the team which secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. He was expected to push for a starting berth at Leeds United this season, but has failed to make a single league appearance this season whilst only appearing as a late substitute in the EFL Cup win over Shrewsbury Town earlier this month.
The Yorkshire side’s pursuit of Max Aarons prior to his move to Bournemouth spoke volumes, although manager Daniel Farke insists the youngster still has a future at Elland Road.
His current contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, leading to speculation that Leeds could cash in before the end of the transfer window, and Championship rivals Southampton are said to be keen.
The Saints are looking to make their stay in England’s second tier a brief one and are buoyed by a significant war chest following the big money sales of Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento, James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Salisu this summer. Despite that, Romano states that manager Russell Martin is prepared to wait until January or next summer to land his man.
Southampton could still yet make a move before the end of the transfer window, but playing the long game could allow for the former Premier League club to land their man in a cut-price deal in January or for free next summer should he not commit to a new deal. However, it seems unlikely that Drameh will pen fresh terms unless his game time dramatically improves.
Writer’s View
This is a smart approach from Southampton. Leeds will be well aware of their Championship rivals’ financial clout, but this stance tells them that they will not be taken to the cleaners.
Unless Farke is prepared to give him a chance, Drameh could push for a move before the end of the window, but he at least knows that Southampton are prepared to wait should a transfer fail to come to fruition in the next two weeks.
