According to sources, Southampton are preparing a £26 million bid for Juventus winger Matias Soulè as they try to improve their attacking options next month.
The Saints are aiming to return to the Premier League at the first attempt and are now fourth in the Championship, level on points with third-placed Leeds United. Despite their 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, they are currently 10 points behind the automatic promotion positions, with Ipswich Town three points behind leaders Leicester City in second.
As a result, Russell Martin is eager to bolster his team in January as he attempts to close the gap on the Tractor Boys, and he is believed to be armed with a sizable war fund following a slew of big-money sales over the summer.
Following Southampton’s relegation, a slew of Premier League clubs swooped in, with Chelsea, Newcastle United, and West Ham United all snatching up some of the club’s best players. Hampshire received well over £100 million in transfer fees while spending significantly less on players.
With the promotion race heating up, the former top-flight club is already keeping an eye on a number of players. According to Tutto Juve, 20-year-old winger Matias Soulè has been identified as a key target after impressing during his current loan term with Serie A team Frosinone.
The Argentine has six goals in 14 league games this season and has apparently drawn the Saints manager’s attention. They are thought to be willing to pay €30 million for his talents, a figure that parent club Juventus would approve. However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, the kid has also piqued the interest of Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, with a battle for his signature poised to begin in the new year.
Southampton will be looking to overtake Leeds in the coming weeks, beginning with a trip to Loftus Road on Saturday to face a reinvigorated Queens Park Rangers.
Author’s Opinion
Southampton will believe they have as strong a chance as anyone of bringing in their top transfer targets next month, thanks to the funds at their disposal. However, competing with Palace and the Saudi-backed Newcastle could be a step too far, especially given the pair’s ability to provide immediate Premier League action.
Soulè has made 21 appearances for Juventus but has particularly impressed this season on loan at Frosinone. However, he appears unlikely to break into Massimiliano Allegri’s first-team plans, and a permanent move appears to be on the horizon.
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