Southampton supporters have had a busy day as they try and keep up with Russell Martin’s side’s potential business on Transfer Deadline Day.
The big news is that England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been announced as a Southampton player, with the Saints paying Arsenal an initial £18 million fee which could rise as high as £25 million with performance-related add-ons.
With the goalkeeper position well and truly resolved, Russell Martin is keen to see one or two attacking additions arrive before the 11pm transfer deadline.
One such player could be last season’s loanee Ryan Fraser as a breakthrough seems to have finally been made to secure a permanent St Mary’s switch, however he is unlikely to be the only forward through the door.
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Southampton fans told to ‘keep an eye’ on Maxwel Cornet deal
Southampton have been linked with a loan move to sign versatile West Ham attacker Maxwel Cornet, who is free to leave the Hammers on a temporary basis.
Reports earlier on Deadline Day have suggested that a move was close but Crystal Palace were looking to hijack the deal to take Cornet to Selhurst Park.
Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam is at Southampton’s Staplewood training ground and he has now provided an update on a potential swoop for Cornet.
McAdam revealed on Sky Sports News (4:05pm Friday): “I keep getting told as well, Maxwel Cornet.
“We know that there is an interest there [from Southampton].
“We know that they want to add wingers and add a little bit more attack-minded players on Deadline Day.
“We know that Palace are also interested, but a few sources keep telling me ‘keep an eye on this situation because it could develop’.”
Cornet would give Russell Martin an exciting option at Southampton
Cornet first arrived in England after signing for Burnley from Lyon in summer 2021 where he took the Premier League by storm, particularly in the first-half of the season.
The winger who can also play up front scored nine goals in 26 Premier League games in his solitary season at Turf Moor before earning a £17 million move to West Ham.
Speaking in December 2021, pundit Owen Hargreaves was full of praise for now-27-year-old Cornet, saying on TNT Sports: “He is a fabulous goalscorer and probably one of the signings of the season so far.”
“At £12 million, it feels like a snip. He gives them something different, he can be direct, can play on the shoulder and is a fabulous finisher, probably better than anyone anticipated and he has been terrific for Sean Dyche.”
With just hours left of the transfer window, Martin will hope to beat the advances of Palace to add the exciting attacker to his squad.