Southampton are now plotting a move to sign a Fulham player on a free transfer this summer.
Southampton have so far made three summer signings ahead of their return to the Premier League under Russell Martin.
The Saints have brought in Adam Lallana and Rento Takaoka on free transfers, with their promotion from the Championship triggering a buy clause in Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan deal.
There’s plenty more names linked with summer moves to St Mary’s, too, with Martin also keen to make Flynn Downes’ loan from West Ham a permanent feature.
Elsewhere, names like Juventus’ Matias Soule and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been linked with summer moves to the south coast.
Martin will know that he needs to add star quality and Premier League experience to his ranks this summer, if the Saints are to avoid another relegation.
And he could do just that with a summer move for Fulham star Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
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Southampton linked with De Cordova-Reid at Fulham
An emerging report from The Sun has revealed that Southampton are now ‘exploring a move’ for Bobby De Cordova-Reid at Fulham.
The 31-year-old Jamaican international is currently away with the Reggae Boys, taking part in the Copa American in the USA.
Last season, former Bristol City man De Cordova-Reid featured 33 times in the Premier League, scoring six times and grabbing in two assists.
Out of contract in the summer, Southampton are now weighing up a free swoop for the attacking midfielder.
In five seasons at Craven Cottage, De Cordova-Reid had made 209 total appearances, scoring 32 goals and grabbing 18 assists.
De Cordova-Reid also has 22 caps for Jamaica and three goals.
Can Bobby De Cordova-Reid be a shrewd signing for Southampton
De Cordova-Reid certainly boasts that experience and Premier League quality that Southampton desperately need during this summer’s transfer window.
And he’d also bolster the midfield ranks with the likes of Stuart Armstrong leaving, and David Brooks having returned to parent club Bournemouth.
De Cordova-Reid is also comfortable playing out on either flank for Fulham, who are keen to keep the player, which suggests how highly the Whites rate him.
Southampton would have to put together an attractive package for De Cordova-Reid to want to make the switch.
But playing in an attractive Martin side, coming up from the Premier League and likely being underdogs next season could really entice De Cordova-Reid, who may be due a change, and a new challenge after five years at Fulham.
If Southampton can sign De Cordova-Reid on a free transfer this summer then it could prove to be one of their best signings in a long time.