Southampton: Saints apparently have bid accepted for James Maddison

Reports this evening have suggested that Southampton have met Norwich’s valuation of the Englishman, and may discuss personal terms with him.

Just a few days ago Southampton fans were up in arms, as their club had failed to complete any business before the World Cup had began. Whilst transfers can easily occur in the background, it’s taken as fact that clubs complete a lot of their summer’s work either side of the tournament itself.

However this evening the Sun have reported that the Saints have made some serious steps towards making that illustrious first signing of the summer, with James Maddison the player in question.

The Saints have been linked with the 21-year-old a handful of times since the season concluded, but it was believed that Leicester, West Ham, Everton and Tottenham were all also keen – there’s no shame in admitting that after this past year all four of those sides were above the Saints in the pecking order.

Next: Saints to host Burnley on opening day

However it now seems like the Saints are in poll position to bring the young English midfielder in, with Southampton apparently matching the Canaries’ £20+ million valuation of the playmaker.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Mark Hughes’ side are in desperate need of some fresh reinforcement in the final third – in the form of both strikers and those who supply them. Last season Maddison set the Championship alight for Norwich, and was arguably one of the best creative players in the entire division.

The English Under-21 international was directly involved in 26 goals in 49 games all in all last campaign, some impressive figures for someone only just finding their feet in a competitive league.

As a result it’s clear why so many Premier League sides are keen on him, although the transfer does remain a risky one from a Southampton perspective. It would almost certainly be a record deal, somewhat of a poison chalice at the club it seems in recent times. Furthermore, at such a tender age there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to perform in the Premier League, as immediate results would be expected from the Southampton faithful.

However he remains a hugely talented footballer – he completed more key passes than other player in the second tier last time out and was among the best creative players statistics-wise of those his age in all of Europe.

As a result we can only hope we swaps Norwich yellow for Southampton’s away yellow this coming season.