Southampton are said to be very keen on the Sporting Lisbon centre-back.
According to a report from Wednesday’s print edition of Portuguese newspaper Record (31/05/2017) – with the page later posted online by Sport Witness – Southampton will bid £17.4m for Ruben Semedo by the end of this week.
That fee is believed to be Sporting Lisbon’s asking price for the 23-year-old, despite the presence of a £39.3million release clause in the player’s contract.
Portuguese clubs have a habit of inserting sizable fees into deals that are never triggered despite players’ later departures, and it seems Southampton could get their man for a relatively cheap price, even if questions remain over whether Semedo can blossom into a top class centre-back.
He is still years from his peak and provided Claude Puel remains at St. Mary’s next season the Frenchman could be the perfect manager to get the best out of Semedo.
Southampton could lose Virgil van Dijk this summer despite their desire to hold on to one of this season’s standout performers, and if the Dutchman does move on Semedo cut be a cut-price replacement.
Alternatively, he could play alongside van Vijk without breaking the bank, allowing Southampton to strengthen in other key areas.
Newcastle are also believed to be interested in Semedo but according to the latest report Southampton look set to beat the Magpies’ bid in the next few days.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
