Southampton have identified Accrington Stanley’s rising star Toby Savin as a potential replacement for Angus Gunn or Fraser Forster, according to the Sun (22 November, page 61).
Talk about nominative determinism.
The Accrington goalkeeper has certainly done his fair share of ‘Savin’ since forcing his way into John Coleman’s starting XI this season, keeping a fourth straight clean sheet as Stanley moved up to ninth in the League One table with a 0-0 draw against Lincoln City on Saturday.
Speaking after a tense stalemate with one of the division’s pacesetters, Coleman admitted that he expected clubs higher up the footballing pyramid to show an interest in his highly-rated shot-stopper sooner rather than later.
“Toby Savin has pulled off another unbelievable save at the end and it will be hard for us to keep hold of him,” Coleman admitted to the Lancashire Telegraph.
Southampton have a fine track record when it comes to identifying exciting young talents with Premier League potential.
According to the Sun, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s high-flying side could make a move for Savin in the New Year.
Southampton are looking for a new shot-stopper with the £13.5 million Gunn and the £10 million Forster expected to leave in 2021.
Gunn, who hasn’t made a Premier League appearance since the 9-0 defeat to Leicester 13 months ago, is on loan at Stoke, while the high-earning Forster is stuck behind Alex McCarthy in the St Mary’s pecking order.
The report adds that Southampton could look to loan out Savin if they can tempt Accrington into a deal to ensure they do not stunt the youngster’s development.
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