Football League World
·29 May 2024
Football League World
·29 May 2024
Southampton are interested in signing Salernitana winger Loum Tchaouna in the summer transfer window.
That's according to a report from Italian outlet Tutto Salernitnana, who say that it could cost a seven-figure fee to sign the 20-year-old this summer.
This has been a successful season for the Saints, who secured promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking with victory over Leeds United in Sunday's play-off final.
As a result, Russell Martin's side are now preparing for a return to the Premier League for the 2024/25 campaign, and may need a busy spell in the market to do so.
Now, it appears as though another potential target for Southampton to look to sign in that period, may have been identified.
While the Saints may have won promotion this season, it has been a less successful campaign for Salernitana.
The club were relegated from Serie A, meaning they are now set to drop into the second-tier of Italian football for next season.
It appears clubs could look to take advantage of that by raiding Salernitana, one of which may be Southampton.
Following their promotion, the Saints are said to be taking an interest in the signing of Tchouana, although they are not alone in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.
Serie A side Lazio are also thought to be among a number of teams from across Europe who are taking an interest in the winger.
Tchaouna only joined Salernitana last summer, when he joined from French top-flight outfit Rennes.
To date, he has scored six goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances in all competitions for Salernitana.
As things stand, there are two years remaining on the winger's contract with the Serie A side, who have the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months.
That does give his current club some scope to negotiate any offers that are made for him. However, in the wake of relegation, it is reported that a fee of around €8million could be enough to secure his services.
This is arguably an interesting deal for Southampton to be considering at this moment in time.
With the loan deals of Ryan Fraser and David Brooks having come to an end for the time being, they may well need to add to their options out wide in the summer.
They could do that with the addition of Tchaouna, given he is capable of playing on either flank.
His experience of top-flight football at such an early age may also be useful, although there could be some concerns about the fact he was relegated this season.
However, that apparent interest from elsewhere should ease those fears somewhat, given it does seem to highlight the potential he possesses.
Meanwhile, with the financial windfall they will receive following their promotion, that €8million fee is one that ought to be easily affordable for Southampton, should they wish to pay it.
With all that in mind, it does feel as though this could be a link that may be worth considering for the Saints, as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
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