Southampton are looking to sign Benfica full-back Nuno Tavares with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forgotten man Ruben Vinagre lined up as his replacement at the Primeira Liga giants, as reported by A Bola.
With Ryan Bertrand gone and with doubts swirling around the future of Yan Valery, the Saints need additions on both flanks heading into what could be a very busy transfer window at St Mary’s.
But could Southampton kill two birds with one stone and sign a full-back who is equally comfortable on the right and the left?
Continued links with Manchester United youngster Brandon Williams certainly suggest versatility and two-footedness are some of the major attributes Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is looking for.
With that in mind, Portugal U21 international Tavares fits the bill too.
A Bola reports Southampton have joined South Coast rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as Roma, Villarreal and long-time admirers Newcastle United, in the race for a defender who, despite having a £25 million release clause in his contract, may be available for as little as £6 million (Gazzetta).
Southampton eye Tavares as Benfica target Wolves man Vinagre
What is more, while Benfica coach Jorge Jesus is keen to keep Tavares, the Lisbon giants are already scouring the market for replacements.
They have found one, too, in the shape of 22-year-old Vinagre.
The forgotten man of Molineux spent last season on loan at Olympiacos and Famalicao, although it will be interesting to see whether Wolves hand him a fresh start following Rayan Ait-Nouri’s departure and the ongoing injury struggles of Fernando Marcal and Jonny Castro Otto.
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