Southampton are trying to conduct their transfer business quietly this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side have made three additions so far this transfer window, with goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu arriving from Manchester City and Mateusz Lis’ arrival from Altay SK, whilst defender Armel Bella-Kotchap has signed from VfL Bochum.
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What’s the latest on Southampton?
Despite keeping their cards close to their chest, the Saints appear to be closing in on the signing of young Man City midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to The Athletic.
Another transfer story for the south-coast club could be the future of Theo Walcott, who could be departing St. Mary’s for a move to the MLS according to multiple sources.
The club will be looking to expand on the three (potentially four when Lavia’s signing is confirmed) arrivals this summer, as Hasenhüttl looks to improve on last season’s 15th place finish.
And Crook believes that deals could be being done, but the club are keeping their cards close to their chest.
What has Crook said about Southampton?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I haven't been able to get any firm information out of Southampton yet, but I do know they're working on lots of targets that haven't come out yet.”
What next for Southampton?
Hasenhüttl will know that he needs reinforcements for his side, whose form dropped off dramatically last season, with his side losing their last four Premier League fixtures of the last campaign, to turn what was once looking to be a promising season, into an underwhelming campaign.
They will want to clear up the future of England midfielder James Ward-Prowse as soon as possible, with West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United all being linked with a move for the set-piece specialist this summer.
The signings of Bazunu, Bella-Kotchap, and Lavia are potentially useful additions to the starting XI ahead of the new Premier League campaign, but Hasenhüttl will want more bodies in ahead of the window’s closure on 1st September.
The club will be hoping to compete for a top-half finish next season, but to do that they will need to find a way to keep the ball out of the back of their own net on a regular basis.
The Saints ranked 17th in the goals conceded department for the last campaign, with two of the clubs with a worse defence than them finishing in the relegation zone, suggesting that the club could do with some fresh defensive reinforcements, on top of the two goalkeepers and defender they have already signed.