Southampton could pay a combined £16 million fee to sign Sam Edozie and Juan Larios from Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions Manchester City, according to the Daily Mail (1 September, 11.54am).
That, of course, is a lot of money for two teenagers who haven’t made a single top-flight appearance between them. But, after the inspired additions of Tino Livramento and the outstanding Romeo Lavia, Southampton surely deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Livramento was one of 2021/22’s breakthrough stars. Lavia, meanwhile, already looks a snip at £14 million, scoring his first senior goal in the 2-1 triumph over Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Southampton close in on Manchester City double deal
Fellow City starlets Edozie and Larios should now follow in Lavia’s footsteps before the 11pm deadline. According to the Mail, Southampton will pay £6 million for one-time Barcelona left-back Larios.
Edozie, meanwhile, could cost a further £10 million. Described as an ‘incredible’ talent with a ‘special’ nose for goal by none other than Pep Guardiola himself during pre-season last year, the 19-year-old left-winger was a target for Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the summer.
Southampton now appear to be his most likely destination. Leverkusen completed the signing of another English whizzkid this week, Callum Hudson-Odoi arriving from Chelsea.
The Saints are also hoping to bring in Arsenal’s forgotten man Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Duje Caleta-Car could also arrive from Marseille. The former Liverpool target should replace Jan Bednarek, the Poland international wanted by both Aston Villa and West Ham United.
According to talkSPORT, Caleta-Car is in England in an attempt to force through a move to the Premier League.
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