Southampton tried and failed sign Mattias Svanberg in January with AC Milan now the most likely destination for the £14 million-rated Bologna midfielder, as reported by Calciomercato.
As the Saints head into tonight’s Premier League clash with Everton looking to arrest a stunning slide down the table, maybe Svanberg can consider this a bit of a lucky escape.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were sitting pretty in top spot just three months ago. Now, after a run of seven defeats in eight games – including that 9-0 thumping at Old Trafford – the South Coast club are glancing nervously over their shoulders as Fulham and West Brom continue to climb slowly up the ladder.
So Svanberg may be puffing out his cheeks in relief, a few weeks after Southampton tried and failed to lure the Sweden international to St Mary’s.
With all due respect to a struggling Saints side, Svanberg now appears to be heading for something bigger and better.
Calciomercato claims that the 6ft 1ins, box-to-box midfielder is emerging as a summer target for both Juventus and Serie A leaders Inter.
AC Milan, however, remain in pole position to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 22-year-old compatriot. Technical director Paolo Maldini is a big fan of Svanberg – and he is not an easy man to say ‘no’ to.
CM adds that Bologna want around £14 million for the former Malmo youngster, who could replace Torino loanee Soualiho Meite at the San Siro.
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