Southampton are leading Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Brighton in the race to sign full-back Nuno Tavares from Benfica in the summer transfer window, as reported by A Bola.
It is common knowledge by now that Ralph Hasenhuttl wants reinforcements on both the right and the left-hand side of his defence.
If he can find a full-back capable of filling in on both flanks, all the better.
That is why Brandon Williams, the right-footer who has made most of his appearances for Manchester United at left-back, continues to be linked with a switch to the South Coast.
And Tavares, like Williams, is a versatile, adaptable defender who would not look out of position on either wing.
The phrase ‘killing two birds with one stone’ comes to mind.
The Portugal U21 international is more comfortable on the left – suggesting he may be viewed by Hasenhuttl as a Ryan Bertrand replacement – but could also provide competition for the injury-affected Kyle Walker-Peters on the right.
Are Southampton going to beat Newcastle to Nuno Tavares?
Reports coming out of Iberia claim that near neighbours Brighton and Hove Albion are interested in Tavares too.
As are a Newcastle side who launched a £14 million bid for the Benfica youngster two years ago, when he was still a teenager yet to really force his way into the first-team picture at the Estadio da Luz.
As it stands, however, the smart money should be on Southampton winning the race for his signature.
A Bola reports that the Saints have been in talks with Benfica for some time now, although it’s unclear if they are willing to pay the £18 million fee required.
Benfica want Wolves’ Ruben Vinagre as Tavares’s replacement, while it remains to be seen what this means for Southampton’s pursuit of a certain attack-minded Frenchman.
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