A Premier League man wanted by Southampton may yet choose to sign for Leeds United this summer.
Southampton beat Leeds United in the Championship play-off final just last month. But the Saints could now be snubbed by one of their summer transfer targets, in favour of a move to Elland Road.
Russell Martin’s side have a number of players on their summer transfer radar and look set for a busy transfer window, which officially opened for business on Friday.
Southampton want to re-sign Flynn Downes on a permanent deal from West Ham, whilst Werder Bremen midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt is strongly linked with a summer move to St Mary’s.
Elsewhere, several key first-team players look set to leave as free agents this summer, including Che Adams among others.
For Southampton, it needs to be a busy summer, with the Saints likely to be among those fighting against relegation in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Another name linked with a move to the south coast is Tottenham Hotspur man Joe Rodon; he spent last season on loan at Leeds United and faced Southampton at Wembley.
He’s set to leave Spurs this summer, and Rodon is free to choose his next move.
Joe Rodon latest amid Southampton and Leeds United interest
Southampton were previously linked with a move for Welsh international Rodon, 26, who spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Leeds United, featuring 46 times in Championship fixtures.
Spurs are willing to sell the centre-back for between £12-15milion this summer, with Rodon apparently free to choose his next move.
TEAMtalk say that Southampton remain interested, along with Leeds United, with Ipswich Town now showing an interest too.
However, TEAMtalk also suggest that Rodon could return to Elland Road on a permanent deal this summer, having enjoyed his time on loan there.
One hope that Southampton have in Joe Rodon race
A move for Rodon would be expensive for Southampton, especially given the fact that they’re set to sign Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City in a £20million deal.
More centre-backs are needed with that position thin on the ground, and Rodon seems like a solid option.
Although he enjoyed his time at Leeds United, and he’s now open to a return, TEAMtalk say that Leeds will likely have to sell players before they can buy any.
With interest in Rodon already rife, that could push Leeds towards the back of the queue to sign him, handing Southampton a boost in the meantime.
With Ipswich Town now keen as well though, the Saints will have to act fast if they’re to bring in Rodon this summer.
At 26, he’s at a good age to return to the Premier League and have another crack after his failed stint with Spurs.
His passing stats in the 2023/24 season also suggest that he’d be a good fit for Southampton, with Rodon averaging the second-most passes-per-game of any Leeds United player in the Championship last season, with 91% accuracy.