Latest Southampton transfer news including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Flynn Downes and more
There have been numerous updates on the transfer front in regarding Southampton in the last seven days.
One piece of confirmed business is the return of former captain Adam Lallana, with the 36-year-old turning down a new contract at Brighton to move to Southampton for free.
He joins Taylor Harwood-Bellis as an arrival this summer, with the defender’s loan made permanent once promotion was confirmed as per the terms of his deal from Manchester City.
Che Adams’ contract saga continues to rumble on in the background but no decision is expected on whether he signs a new deal at Southampton or elsewhere until the Euros are over.
READ MORE: The staggering amount Southampton contract rebel Che Adams will earn if he makes Saudi move
Here are all the latest Southampton transfer updates from the past seven days.
Southampton ‘frontrunners’ for Flynn Downes
Southampton manager Russell Martin is desperate for the club to secure a return of last season’s loan star Flynn Downes.
Latest reports suggests that deal is getting close, with West Ham United open to selling Downes and Southampton ‘frontrunners’ for his signature.
The Saints believe they can complete a deal for less than £15 million and want to get the 25-year-old signed ready for the start of pre-season.
Southampton are linked with a move for another of Martin’s former players, too, with reports a third bid is set to be made for Swansea City’s Nathan Wood after twice being knocked back last summer.
Martin also wanted to sign Max Aarons last summer, but the full-back opted to join Premier League Bournemouth instead.
With Aarons falling out of favour at the Cherries and the Saints now returning to the top flight, the club are ‘prepared’ to try once more‘ to capture the 24-year-old’s services.
Southampton linked with two former players
Lallana may not be the only ex-Saint to seal a return to the club this summer.
The St Mary’s side are said to be ‘willing to offer up to £6 million’ to re-sign Danny Ings, the centre-forward who left the club in 2021 to join Aston Villa in a move that angered fans.
Despite the awkward exit, Martin is said to want to add an experienced Premier League goalscorer and could sanction a deal.
The other player is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who left Southampton as a 17-year-old in 2010 to join Arsenal.
Now at Besiktas following his contract ending at Liverpool last summer, the Turkish club are keen to offload Chamberlain due to his high wages and Southampton are reported to be rivalling Fulham and Sheffield United for the 30-year-old’s signature.
On the topic of Premier League interest, Martin could make a move for another out of contract player who can add experience and quality to the side with Brentford’s 30-year-old midfielder Saman Ghoddos looking likely to sign once his contract expires at the end of June.
