According to The Sunday Mirror (14/02, p70), Southampton are interested in snapping up Barnsley talent Callum Styles this summer.
It’s claimed that the Saints scouted Styles in the FA Cup on Thursday night as Barnsley were beaten 1-0 by Premier League giants Chelsea.
Southampton aren’t alone in targeting Styles though, as Brighton and Hove Albion also watched him in action against Thomas Tuchel’s Blues.
Brentford were keen in January, and whilst Barnsley managed to hang on then, that could be more difficult if Premier League clubs start swarming.
Styles, 20, came through the ranks at Bury before leaving for Barnsley in 2018, where he has now made 55 appearances in all competitions.
He is predominantly a central midfielder but has recently carved out a role as a left wing back under Valerian Ismael, sparking Southampton’s interest.
The Saints know that Ryan Bertrand is out of contract this summer, and may see the potential for Styles to become a full-time left back in his place.
Brighton also operate with wing backs on a regular basis with Solly March often featuring there, and it’s somewhat hard to imagine them moving for Styles with Michal Karbownik on board, but maybe they see Styles as a midfielder rather than a wing-back.
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