Southampton are prepared to submit an improved second bid to try and beat a host of clubs to the signature of a talented youngster.
Russell Martin has already made seven signings for Southampton this summer but it is up for debate whether the starting XI is actually any better than last season despite promotion.
Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong have both left after their contracts ended, whilst last season’s loan duo Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes have both made their moves permanent.
In terms of new players when compared to last season, Southampton have welcomed Adam Lallana and Charlie Taylor for free, EFL centre-backs Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood for £3 million each and Japanese right-back Yukinari Sugawara for £5.88 million.
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With the bulk of the signings so far defensive ones, Martin now looks to be looking to bolster his attack with the Saints preparing to make a second bid for a Premier League winger.
Southampton set to make increased bid for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
It has been reported in the last few days that Southampton made a surprise £7 million bid for 21-year-old Crystal Palace ace Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
This was an unexpected move give Palace were anticipating sending the winger on loan to a Championship club this summer prior to receiving Southampton’s bid.
That initial approach has been knocked back, but journalist Alan Nixon has now confirmed Southampton are ready to return.
According to Nixon via his Patreon: “Southampton are ready to make a new bid for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and offer around £12 million.
“Saints are keen on the skilful Palace squad man to join their Premier League campaign and will come up with more cash.”
It may prove difficult to convince Palace to sell their academy talent to a Premier League rival, though, as Nixon goes on to claim: “Palace believe Rak-Sakyi is a top long-term prospect and would prefer to loan him out – ideally to the Championship.
“Saints are going to try to change that view although it may take much more to get their man.
“Hull and Leeds are among those clubs hopeful of signing Rak-Sakyi on loan and giving him the game time he needs and missed last season.”
Would Southampton be overpaying for Rak-Sakyi with £12 million deal?
Rak-Sakyi is highly rated at Selhurst Park despite the fact he has made just eight Premier League appearances.
A tricky right winger, Martin has clearly identified the talent as a player who could address the lack of depth in that position but, given his lack of experience, £12 million seems steep.
The England under-20 international did have a very impressive loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the 2022/23 season as he scored 15 goals and provided eight assists but that was in League One.
Palace are clearly reluctant to sanction a permanent deal for a player they feel has a bright future and that makes a deal difficult for Southampton.
However, if the £12 million bid is rejected the club should walk away from a deal with better value to be found elsewhere.