Juventus are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of the Southampton right-back.
Saints fans have become all too used to their best players upping sticks and leaving the club over the past few seasons, and after the Mirror’s report suggesting that Juventus will bid £15 million for Cedric Soares, they will once agin be fearing the worst.
The Old Lady’s interest in the 25-year-old does present Southampton with an opportunity, however, to add some genuine quality to their own side, by demanding some of the Italian giant’s players in return.
Here are three potential Juve players the south coast outfit could take in return for the Portugal international, rather than the £15 million being touted…
Stephan Lichtsteiner:
Juventus’ Stephan Lichtsteiner in action
The experienced Switzerland international would be the ideal addition to the Saints squad.
Incredibly versatile, he can play anywhere along the back-line, which would have its’ obvious benefits, considering they would be losing their first-choice right-back in Cedric.
The 33-year-old has already been linked with a move to Nice, but the lure of the Premier League cannot be under-estimated.
His defensive know-how, after spending six years as part of one of the world’s most stubborn back-lines, would be a superb asset for Southampton.
Tomás Rincón:
The 29-year-old Venezuelan joined the Italian champions in January of this year, but failed to make much of an impact, making just two Serie A starts.
With the strength of Juve’s midfield though it is not hard to see why.
A move to St Mary’s could suit the former Genoa man, with his cultured passing style seemingly the ideal fit for Mauricio Pellegrino’s philosophies.
Mario Lemina:
Finally, the Gabon international. At 23-years-old, Lemina still hasn’t reached his peak, but he would be an outstanding signing for the Saints.
He is also a central midfielder by trade, and possesses exceptional technical ability.
His understanding and reading of the game is remarkable for someone so young, and he would provide fantastic competition for the likes of Oriol Romeu in the middle of the park.
Whether Juve would allow any of their players to leave is debatable, but Southampton will hold leverage with the Italian’s interest in Cedric ramping up by the day.
Mario Lemina Juventus
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