It is expected to be a chaotic Deadline Day at Southampton as Russell Martin looks to add the finishing touches to his squad.
Aaron Ramsdale is expected to secure a move to Southampton in a permanent deal worth up to £25 million which immediately resolves Russell Martin‘s goalkeeper woes.
There is considered little risk to that deal going through, but Arsenal will only sanction Ramsdale’s exit once they have a replacement.
That looks to be Bournemouth’s Neto, but the delay to the deal could mean Ramsdale is not registered by midday in order to play against Brentford on Saturday.
Whilst that deal is one that should happen, Southampton now look set to face competition for the signature of one of their attacking targets on Deadline Day.
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Southampton face Crystal Palace competition for Maxwel Cornet loan
All British clubs have until the 11pm deadline on Friday to conclude their summer business.
One or two attackers are high on the list of priorities for Southampton in the remaining hours of the transfer window, but they are not alone in their pursuit of firepower.
The Saints look to be edging towards a loan deal for versatile West Ham forward Maxwel Cornet, but Crystal Palace have emerged as another potential suitor for the Ivorian.
Should both clubs agree loan terms, then it will be down to the player himself to decide on his destination, as journalist Ryan Taylor posted on X: “Exclusive: Crystal Palace are trying to hijack Southampton’s loan move for Maxwel Cornet.
“Talks progressing with both clubs. If both reach agreement with West Ham, decision rests with player.”
Southampton would regret missing out on Cornet
The Palace interest will be unwelcome for Southampton as they now have the task of convincing the 27-year-old to make the move to the south coast over staying in London.
One thing that Martin can offer Cornet is guarantees of regular game time, with the Saints needing a spark in the final third having failed to score in their two Premier League games so far.
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Cornet has shown he can produce in a struggling side as he scored nine goals in 26 games in his solitary season at Burnley in the 2020/21 season.
After a sublime goal against Crystal Palace that season, an unnamed Burnley player told The Athletic: “It was unbelievable. He just seems to only score screamers.”
He has struggled to have the same impact at West Ham, with injuries playing their part, but Southampton should be pulling out all the stops for a player who could provide some much-needed magic.