Southampton look set to revive their January interest in a player who would bolster their attacking options ready for the Premier League.
Russell Martin knows the next two weeks are crucial as he looks to get his Southampton side ready for the season-opener away at Newcastle United on August 17.
With two friendlies remaining, time is running out to iron out any issues and settle on a starting XI for the game at St James’ Park.
Despite having made eight first-team signings already this summer, Martin is all too aware that his Southampton squad is very light in the forward areas and he will be desperate to resolve this issue.
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This could see the Saints revive their interest in Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, but he may not be the only long-term target Martin looks to recruit this summer.
Southampton interested in move for Liverpool attacker Fabio Carvalho
Southampton were interested in taking versatile Liverpool attacker Fabio Carvalho on loan in January as he returned prematurely from his loan at RB Leipzig due to lack of game time.
The Saints were beaten to his temporary services by Hull City, where Carvalho would score nine goals in 20 Championship appearances; including one against Southampton.
Now, it appears that despite that snub Martin is willing to reignite his interest in the 21-year-old but could face an issue given Arne Slot’s arrival as manager.
That is according to journalist Alex Crook, who posted on ‘X’: “Southampton interest in Fabio Carvalho is genuine. Has been on their list since January.
“Liverpool reluctant sellers as see him as a player with a high ceiling.”
Carvalho versatility makes him an attractive option for Southampton
Realistically Southampton need at the very least a winger, attacking midfielder and another striker before the transfer window shuts.
Not only do they need players in these roles, but they need real quality in all three positions in order to provide the firepower the squad currently lacks.
The thing that makes Carvalho such an attractive proposition is the fact that he is capable of playing all three of these roles.
With that in mind, the Portugal under-21 international could theoretically save Southampton money if he is viewed as a realistic option in more than one of those positions by Martin.
Whilst never a regular under Jurgen Klopp, the ex-Liverpool boss was full of praise for the young attacker in April 2023, saying: “Fabio is training exceptionally, to be honest. All the boys [are]. That’s the hardest part. We never had it the whole season, now we have it and all of a sudden I leave five players at home.
“Fabio, for the situation in which he is now, in training on an absolute super level and not being involved, how he deals with it, I have to say, that’s kind of a role model. Not that he is happy with the situation, but he never gives up. It’s unbelievable.”
Celtic’s Matt O’Riley is the priority signing in the attacking midfield role and, given this is arguably Carvalho’s strongest position, a move for the Liverpool talent may be contingent on what happens with the Saints’ pursuit of O’Riley.
However, if Southampton can convince Liverpool to sell for a reasonable price, Carvalho could be a really decent addition.