Southampton are prepared to battle it out on transfer deadline day with European titans Atletico Madrid for the signature of Club Brugge’s Tajon Buchanan, according to Flemish outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
The report claims that Buchanan is caught between two minds at the moment, with both clubs keen to secure his services while offering different possibilities.
The Canada international played in the UEFA Champions League last season for Club Brugge and would like to feature in the competition once more this time around. Atletico Madrid would make this a reality given Diego Simeone’s side finished third last season in La Liga.
Los Colchoneros know the 24-year-old’s strengths very well, having faced off against Club Brugge twice in Europe’s top club competition last term. Buchanan started both games as the Belgian side picked up four points from a possible six.
However, Het Nieuwsblad have also revealed that Buchanan wants to play in the Premier League and given Southampton’s unbeaten start to the Championship, the Saints could offer top-flight football within the next twelve months.
Back in May, The Athletic confirmed that Club Brugge were in talks with Champions League finalists Internazionale over a deal for Buchanan in the region of £13 million.
La Repubblica also reported that Buchanan had agreed a four-year contract with the Nerazzurri who are long-term admirers of the versatile wide-man but no deal came to fruition in the end.
Writer’s View
When clubs such as Atletico Madrid and Inter are circling like sharks, it will be difficult for Southampton to compete for Buchanan’s signature.
However, what the Saints do have is the very likely prospect of playing Premier League football next season, and given the lack of interest from top-flight clubs in England, Buchanan may feel as though a move to the St. Mary’s is his quickest route there.
