Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi has been in impressive form in Serie A for Atalanta and could reportedly move to the Premier League with Southampton.
Both of Southampton’s centre-backs endured chastening afternoons at Anfield on Saturday.
Wesley Hoedt set Liverpool on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win with an opening goal in the first-half while £18 million man mountain Jannick Vestergaard struggled to deal with the pace and movement of Mo Salah and co.
So perhaps it is no coincidence that Southampton have been linked with a new central defender just days later.
According to Sport Mediaset, Atalanta ace Rafael Toloi is The Saints’ number one target heading into the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old Brazilian is currently under contract with the Bergamo-based club until 2020 but has not yet discussed a renewal, paternally opening a door for Southampton.
Toloi has been excellent for Atalanta since his 2015 move from Roma, helping Gian Piero Gasperini’s youthful side punch above their weight and finish in the Europa League places in each of the last two seasons.
Toloi, who assisted four goals in Serie A across 2017/18, is arguably more comfortable playing in a roving role in the centre of a back three. So he would allow Mark Hughes to switch up his tactics at Southampton should he wish to do so.
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