Southampton face Premier League competition from Sheffield United and Luton Town as Russell Martin aims to reunite with former Swansea City star Ryan Manning.
With The Sun reporting that one of the Championship’s finest full-backs is now on Southampton’s radar, the number of Swansea players currently linked with moves to St Mary’s rises to a healthy six.
Russell Martin, finally confirmed as Ruben Selles’ replacement last week, is reportedly planning to raid his old employers for midfield duo Matt Grimes and Jay Fulton. Central defensive pair Ben Cabango and Nathan Wood are also on his radar.
Ditto Joel Piroe; the former PSV poacher who scored 42 goals in two seasons in South Wales.
Russell Martin planning Swansea raid at Southampton
Southampton would have to stump up fees for each of the aforementioned quintet. The same cannot be said of Ryan Manning; a free-agent on July 1st.
The Sun reports that newly-promoted Sheffield United and Luton Town are also keen on the six-time Republic of Ireland international. Manning could replace the departing Enda Stevens at Bramall Lane.
At Southampton, meanwhile, the 27-year-old former Queens Park Rangers flyer would face competition from Romain Perraud for a starting spot. Kyle Walker-Peters can also play on the left, though his future remains uncertain amid reported top-flight interest.
It remains to be seen, meanwhile, if the presence of Martin – who coaxed the best out of Manning during two excellent years at the Liberty Stadium – can help Southampton fight off competition from two clubs capable of offering Premier League football.
Manning has never before stepped foot onto England’s biggest stage. The chance to do so must be a temptation.
“I love Ryan as a character,” Martin said of Manning back in 2022; the full-back scoring a ‘fantastic’ winner against Preston North End (The 42). “I think he’s grown a lot and I’m so pleased for him.
“He knows how I feel about him, what he’s capable of and what he needs to do to really get it out of him.”
Manning produced an outstanding 15 goal contributions under Martin in 2022/23; five goals and ten assists. If he was to end up at Southampton, Manning could form one half of arguably the Championship’s finest full-back partnership alongside ex-Luton ace James Bree.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
