Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Southampton are about to table an offer worth £9.6m to sign Lecce captain Morten Hjulmand – with the player boasting just 18 months left on his contract with the Serie A side.
Hjulmand, 23, joined Lecce in January 2021 from Copenhagen and helped the Italian side gain promotion to the top tier last season. He has clocked up 76 games for Lecce, since earning the captain’s armband. But his future is in doubt.
The midfielder’s form has earned recognition from Denmark – but he is yet to win his first cap. But his form has also caught the attention of Southampton, who have already made two signings. Namely, Mislav Orsic and Carlos Alcaraz.
New manager Nathan Jones has turned Southampton’s form around of late. Wins over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final and then a crucial victory over Everton in the Premier League.
The tide is beginning to turn on the south coast – with new signings giving Jones a bit more freedom. Hjulmand looks like he could be the next one, with Southampton set to bid £9.6m. Lecce do not want to lose him though, this month.
Southampton to table offer £9.6m to sign Lecce captain Hjulmand
The Saints do have options in the middle of the park. Hjulmand is deemed more of a defensive midfielder that is known for his passing, laying on eight assists in his 76 Lecce outings. James Ward-Prowse is the standout player.
But he needs license to get forward. Oriol Romeu left in the summer. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is on loan from Arsenal but has hardly ripped up trees. Alcaraz has just come in, while Romeo Lavia, Ibrahima Diallo and others are options.
Jones needs an enforcer at the base of their midfield, like Romeu. Hjulmand is that kind of player. One that plays like someone way beyond his years. At a bargain £9.6m, he would be a smart addition – and would help Ward-Prowse.
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