Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino knows Victor Camarasa well from his time in La Liga, but Premier League neighbours Brighton are leading the chase.
Victor Camarasa looks set to be heading to the English South Coast after just half a season as a Real Betis player.
And it is understood that Brighton and Hove Albion are set to make their second big signing of the January transfer window. They have entered talks with Camarasa and could pull off a deal for about £9 million.
But Brighton are not the only club on England’s Southern tip who should be looking closely at a player tipped to succeed Steve Sidwell at The Amex.
Chris Hughton is obviously an admirer of Camarasa but so too is Southampton counterpart Mauricio Pellegrino.
After all, the former Spain Under-21 international was a big part of his Alaves side that not only finished ninth in their first season back in La Liga but also reached the Copa Del Rey final, losing unfortunately to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona.
Pellegrino’s Alaves side were based on a solid defence first and foremost and the hard-working Camarasa was a hugely important figure in the centre of the park, protecting the back line from midfield while also being used in a second striker position when required.
It is this versatility that made Camarasa so important at Alaves, so Pellegrino should consider hijacking Brighton’s bid in order to add some steel and class to his struggling Southampton side.
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