Russell Martin will be trying to prepare for Southampton’s trip to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday but Deadline Day will also be receiving its fair share of his attention.
The panic regarding signing a new number one goalkeeper is now over as Southampton have confirmed the £25 million signing of Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal.
That is by no means the end of Southampton‘s transfer business prior to Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline; at least Russell Martin hopes not.
Ryan Fraser appears to now be closing in on a return to the Saints after spending last season on loan at St Mary’s in a development that could mean Samuel Edozie leaves on loan.
Maxwel Cornet is another attacking player who could arrive on Deadline Day, with a loan deal for the versatile forward the most likely outcome.
However, Southampton could now be set to secure a shock deal for an England youth international who plies his trade in the MLS.
Southampton closing in on signing New England Revolution midfielder Noel Buck
Whilst Southampton’s priority on Deadline Day is players who are ready to come in and make an instant impact, they are a club who always keep one eye on the future.
That looks set to continue with a move for 19-year-old England under-20 international Noel Buck of New England Revolution.
That is according to American journalist Tom Bogert, who posted on X: “BREAKING: Southampton finalising a deal to sign England youth international midfielder Noel Buck on loan from the New England Revolution.
“Deal includes a purchase option. Loan until January. Buck, 19, has 57 first team apps with the Revs.”
Buck tipped for bright future amid potential Southampton move
A move for Buck is an intriguing one with the youngster playing all of his fledgling career so far in the United States but earning England recognition at youth level.
The 19-year-old is a duel citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States and can play either as a centre-midfielder or wide.
Speaking after a fine Buck goal in a 3-2 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in June, New England Revolution head coach Caleb Porter was full of praise for the young talent, saying: ““That’s an unbelievable shot. Unbelievable.
“He’s got that in him. I saw it last year when I was watching film on him. For whatever reason, early in the year we weren’t seeing that.
“I think it’s just taken time for him, like everybody, to find that balance of, ‘Here’s our tactics,’ but also, ‘Go and play, man. Don’t be a robot; let your instincts take over.’
“That was him stepping forward and having a go. He does have that in him, and I’d like to see it more.”
An exciting prospect, it is anticipated that Buck would initially join up with Southampton’s under-21s before progressing to the first-team should he show enough to convince the Saints to trigger their option to buy.