It’s all go at Southampton on Transfer Deadline Day as Russell Martin looks to put the finishing touches on his squad ahead of Friday’s 11pm deadline.
Aaron Ramsdale is now a Southampton player having completed a £25 million deal from Arsenal in a move that will have delighted Russell Martin.
With the goalkeeper position addressed for years to come, Southampton now want to try and beat the deadline to secure one or two attacking players who can help the Saints find more potency in the final third.
Ryan Fraser was a target for much of the summer after a successful loan last season was expected to result in a permanent move to St Mary’s fairly early in the window.
That did not materialise, but it now looks as though the deal be revived in the final hours of the market as Fraser edges towards signing for Southampton.
He is not expected to be the only winger, though, with Southampton pushing to sign Maxwel Cornet on loan from West Ham.
- READ MORE: The real reason Russell Martin wants Southampton to sign ‘magic’ winger alongside Ryan Fraser
Maxwel Cornet travelling to Southampton to complete medical ahead of loan
News of Southampton’s interest in a move for Cornet broke late on Thursday, before this was firmed up early on Deadline Day.
Given how little time is left in the window a loan seems the most sensible solution and the Saints now look to have beat last minute competition from Crystal Palace with Cornet Southampton-bound for a medical.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, who posted on X: “Hello Southampton!
“One source telling us Maxwel Cornet is understood to be travelling to Southampton for a medical.
“They are pushing to sign him on a season-long loan from West Ham.”
Cornet will not be able to play against Brentford if Southampton complete signing
Journalist Ed Aarons added to the news of Cornet’s medical that the deal includes an option to buy, with the fee of this arrangement unknown at this stage.
If Southampton are to complete a deal for Cornet then supporters will not be able to see him in action until at least 14th September.
That is because players would have needed to be registered by 12pm today to be available to play at the weekend and we then have the first international break of the season.
Martin will believe the Ivorian enigma is worth the wait as he looks to add more flair and creativity at the top end of his Southampton side and he could make his debut against Manchester United in just over two weeks if a deal is complete before the window slams shut.