Southampton are building for a tilt at promotion and could now be at the front of the queue to land a talented defender from the continent, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
Southampton set to replace Mateus Fernandes
With the window drawing to a close, Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes is being targeted by West Ham United and Aston Villa, and speculation over his future could well force the hand of Will Still. Nevertheless, the former RC Lens boss praised his star for his professionalism after he featured during Saints' 1-0 victory over Northampton in the EFL Cup during the week,
He stated: "He's top, he's top. I think he'd missed quite a bit of football, which is understandable, but since we've brought him back in, he came on and made an impact on Saturday."
Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni could replace Fernandes for a price in the region of £15 million. Nevertheless, he may not be the only body brought in amid further interest in Tyler Dibling.
Recently, Southampton have offered a preliminary contract to Eduard Spertsyan as his contract at Krasnodar is slowly winding down. Albeit, West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows could also be on his way to St Mary's Stadium.
Two narrow victories over Wrexham and Northampton have given Still enough encouragement to work with as he sets out his vision. Either way, further additions will be needed to try and win promotion from the EFL Championship at the first time of asking.
The race for Premier League football next term is wide open, and competition on the market is fierce as a result. Still, Southampton retain plenty of appeal and could now be in a good position to land their latest target.
Southampton 'most concrete option' for Louis Patris
According to Sacha Tavolieri on X, Southampton have emerged as the most 'concrete option' for Sint-Truiden defender Louis Patris this summer, alongside Italian outfit Sassuolo.
Hoffenheim have turned their attention elsewhere after initially being open to a swoop, leaving Saints in pole position for his signature. However, his £3 million price tag is said to be a stumbling block in negotiations.
Likened to John Stones by scout Jacek Kulig, Patris has made 35 appearances in total for Sint-Truiden, registering a solitary goal and eight assists, predominantly featuring as a right-back.
In addition, the 24-year-old can also operate in central defence, offering cover in what has been a problem position for Southampton after a bruising Premier League campaign last term.
Now, it remains to be seen if Still and company can elbow Sassuolo out of the way to land their target or whether the notion of playing in Italy takes his fancy.