Southampton’s long-running pursuit of Brandon Williams is under threat as Manchester United are demanding a £2 million loan fee as part of a deal for the Premier League youngster, as reported by The Athletic.
When reports emerged last week suggesting the Saints had finally made a breakthrough in their attempts to bring the England U21 international to St Mary’s, it felt like an announcement was imminent.
Eight days on, we’re still waiting.
Ralph Hasenhuttl has convinced the highly rated Williams a short-term spell on the South Coast would be the right thing for his development, with Southampton expected to take over his £65,000-a-week wages for the season.
One substantial hurdle must be overcome, however – and Manchester United won’t be budging any time soon.
Will Brandon Williams still join Southampton this summer in a 12-month loan deal?
The Premier League giants are demanding a £2 million loan fee for Williams.
And while Southampton are still confident a deal will be done, many at St Mary’s aren’t thrilled about the prospect of paying an eight-figure sum for a player who would spend just 12 months on the banks of the Solent.
Having played the majority of his 50 senior games at left-back despite being right-footed, the adaptable Williams would bring plenty of depth to Southampton’s back line.
Whether he would be guaranteed a regular place in Hasenhuttl’s starting XI is another matter entirely, however, with Kyle Walker-Peters firmly established as the club’s first-choice right-back.
Romain Perraud, meanwhile, has been brought in for £12 million to fill a Ryan Bertrand-shaped void on the opposite flank.
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