Southampton are gearing up for the Championship play-off final this weekend. But expect the Saints to have an eye on summer transfer business as well.
Southampton travel to Wembley this weekend where they face Leeds United in the Championship play-off final.
Russell Martin’s side beat West Brom 3-1 in the play-off semi final second leg to book themselves a trip to Wembley; their first since the League Cup final in 2017.
Despite the Saints’ fate having yet to be decided this season, there’s a number of Southampton stories in transfer headlines.
Here we round up all the Southampton transfer news and rumours from the last seven days…
Flynn Downes to Southampton latest
Southampton fans have warmed to West Ham loan man Flynn Downes this season, following the 25-year-ol’s impressive campaign in the Championship.
He’s featured 35 times in the second tier, scoring twice and assisting three more, and proving to be integral to the style of play under Martin who also had Downes at Swansea City.
There’s been reports of Southampton being keen to sign Downes on a permanent basis all season; the latest is that the Saints will make a summer bid regardless of what league they’re playing in next season.
Southampton star Che Adams in talks with Wolves
Southampton striker Che Adams is out of contract this summer and potentially leaving St Mary’s after five years with the club.
Reports last week revealed that Adams’ representatives were in talks with Wolves regarding a possible summer switch to Molineux.
The 27-year-old missed both play-off semi final legs vs West Brom but Martin is hoping he’s fit to return to the side vs Leeds United.
Southampton eyeing Elias Saad
Another name who Southampton are said to be keen on signing this summer is Tunisian winger Elias Saad.
The 24-year-old currently plays for St Pauli in Germany, and this season he helped fire his team to the 2.Bundesliga title, scoring seven goals and assisting one more in 30 league appearances.
The Saints are said to have scouted the Tunisian international ahead of the summer.
Alex McCarthy attracting Premier League interest
Veteran goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is another name out of contract this summer, with reports last week revealing that the one-time England man has interest from the Premier League.
Both Liverpool and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on adding McCarthy to their goalkeeping ranks ahead of the summer, as well as Scottish giants Celtic.
Juventus keen on Carlos Alcaraz stay
Southampton youngster Carlos Alcaraz joined Juventus on loan earlier this season, having since featured nine times in Serie A, grabbing one assist.
The Italian giants have the option to make Alcaraz’s stay permanent but there’s ongoing speculation over whether or not they will.
The latest coming out of Italy is that Juve may look for a second loan deal for Alcaraz this summer, following the exit of former boss Maxi Allegri.
Southampton in race for Stredair Appuah
Lastly, reports this week have revealed that Southampton are interested in FC Nantes’ Stredair Appuah.
The 19-year-old, Paris-born winger has been working his way into the Nantes first-team this season, featuring four times in Ligue 1.
The Saints and French outfit Clermont Foot are apparently keen on Appuah, though Nantes are said to be reluctant to cash in on the youngster.