Southampton look set to miss out on Brentford’s Chris Mepham.
According to The Sun, Brentford defender Chris Mepham has decided that he wants a move to Bournemouth, snubbing Southampton in the process.
Mepham, 21, started out in the Chelsea ranks before being realised at the age of just 14, when then remained in West London by joining Brentford.
Mepham broke out last season, starring in the Championship whilst earning a first Wales cap, and he has continued to impress this season for the Bees.
Now a regular for Wales, Mepham has been a long-term target for Bournemouth, but Southampton have also been keen to lure him away from Griffin Park this month.
The Sun now report that Mepham is set to snub Southampton, as he has decided that he wants to join Bournemouth instead, with a deal potentially costing £15million.
It’s believed that Mepham appreciated Eddie Howe’s long-standing interest in him, and wants to play under the Bournemouth boss moving forward.
Bournemouth may have fears about Nathan Ake’s long-term future with the club, but need defensive reinforcements anyway given the long-term injury to Simon Francis.
Mepham fits the bill, and if Southampton are still hoping to sign another centre back this month, they will seemingly have to look elsewhere.
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