Southampton are preparing a £26 million bid for Juventus winger Matias Soulè as they look to bolster their attacking options next month, according to reports.
The Saints are looking to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and currently sit fourth in the Championship, level on points with third-placed Leeds United. Despite Saturday’s 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, they still remain 10 points off the automatic places, with Ipswich Town three points behind leaders Leicester City in second.
As a result, Russell Martin is keen to strengthen his squad in January as he looks to close the gap on the Tractor Boys and he is expected to be armed with a considerable war chest following a host of big-money sales in the summer.
Southampton’s relegation saw them raided by a host of Premier League teams, with Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham United all cherry picking some of the club’s biggest talents. The Hampshire side received well over £100 million in transfer fees, whilst their outlay on players was considerably lower.
With the promotion chase on, the former top tier side are already casting their eye on a number of players. According to Italian media outlet La Stampa, via Tutto Juve, 20-year-old winger Matias Soulè has been identified as a top target after shining during his current loan spell with Serie A outfit Frosinone.
The Argentine has hit six goals in 14 league appearances this season and has reportedly caught the eye of the Saints manager. It is said that they are prepared to pay €30 million for his services, a fee which parent club Juventus would be willing to accept. However, Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, state that the youngster has also drawn attention from Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, with a battle set to commence for his signature in the New Year.
Southampton will be hoping to leapfrog Leeds in the coming weeks as we begin the busy holiday schedule, starting with a trip to Loftus Road to face a rejuvenated Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
Writer’s View
Southampton will feel that they stand as good a chance as anyone of landing their top transfer targets next month, especially because of the money they have available to play with. However, contending with Palace and the Saudi-backed Newcastle could prove to be a step too far, especially because the pair can offer immediate Premier League football.
Soulè has made 21 appearances for Juventus but has really shone since joining Frosinone on loan this season. It seems unlikely that he will break into Massimiliano Allegri’s first team plans though and a permanent move looks to be on the horizon.
Head of Writing
