Southampton are reportedly rivalling Brighton and Hove Albion for Spanish defender Martin Montoya, but Fulham have made a late move.
Fulham have really captured the imagination with some of the business that they have done ahead of their return to the Premier League, while the Saints have enjoyed a much quieter window, with just four new signings through the door and one major departure in the form of Dusan Tadic.
It remains to be seen if any more players leave on deadline day, but it seems that Hughes is keen to get a new defender in, with the Mail reporting on its live transfer blog (09/08; 09:19) that the Saints have made a move for Montoya.
However, the report suggests that the Saints’ hopes of signing Montoya appear to have suffered a setback. The Mail reported that Brighton are also interested, but Fulham have since joined the race and are now confident that they will sign the defender ahead of the Seagulls and their old boss Hughes.
Montoya featured regularly for Valencia last term, so it would appear that the Premier League pair may face a tough task trying to get a deal done for the former Barcelona ace.
But if they can get a deal done, it could arguably be a very good piece of business with Montoya capable of playing anywhere along the back four.
Southampton kick off their campaign at home to Burnley this weekend, while Fulham mark their return to the highest level with a clash against Crystal Palace. But will either side have Montoya in their ranks by that stage?
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