Southampton could face a frantic Transfer Deadline Day as Russell Martin looks to put the finishing touches on his squad.
11 first-team signings have already arrived at Southampton this summer, with a deal for Aaron Ramsdale all but confirmed as the 12th to help Russell Martin resolves his goalkeeper problem.
Martin is looking for more firepower on Deadline Day, with goals and creativity wanted ahead of the 11pm UK deadline.
That now looks less likely to be Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, as the 23-year-old played 90 minutes for his club in 2-1 defeat to Juventude that kicked-off at 12am BST this morning.
Alberto does not appear to be the only option, though, with Southampton now considering a move for an exciting young forward.
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Southampton weigh up move for Lyon striker Gift Orban
West Ham’s Maxwel Cornet is one name that has been linked with a move to St Mary’s ahead of the deadline, with a loan deal looking the most likely.
It is thought that Martin would ideally like to add two attacking players to his ranks before the summer business is done and that looks to have taken the Saints to France.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who claimed on X: “Southampton and Burnley are among a number of clubs considering moves for Lyon forward Gift Orban as they look to bring a new striker before the close of the transfer window.”
Any potential deal for Orban is also likely to be an initial loan given how little time is left to negotiate a deal and Southampton will hope the lure of Premier League football will see the 22-year-old favour them over Burnley.
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Orban could revive career with move to Southampton
Orban only signed for Lyon in January, with the French club seeing fit to pay Gent a fee of around £11 million for the Nigerian.
It has not really worked out for Orban in France so far however, with the striker managing just one league goal in 13 games in the second-half of last season.
There is clearly a real talent there, though, with 32 goals in 52 games whilst at Gent despite being so young and Orban’s manager at the Belgian club was full of praise for the forward after a hat-trick in a 5-0 Europe Conference League win over Pogon Szczecin last season.
Manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck remarked: “He’s a phenomenon and he will continue to be a phenomenon. I’ve said it five times and I’ll keep saying it.
“Even if he is no longer here, he will remain a phenomenon and I will continue to say that. He is 21 and remains a young guy.
“His hat-trick? That is nothing special in itself anymore, is it?
“This is normal for him. Gift Orban was hungry and showed his qualities once again, I keep calling him a phenomenon and that will not change.”
Given he signed a contract until 2028 upon his arrival at Lyon a permanent deal looks unlikely, but Martin will hope he can help the explosive forward rediscover his form at Southampton should a loan be agreed.