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Southampton face competition for Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt

By Chris Hughes

ROME, ITALY - MAY 07: Wesley Hoedt of SS Lazio celebrates a fourth goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on May 7, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - MAY 07: Wesley Hoedt of SS Lazio celebrates a fourth goal with his team mates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Olimpico on May 7, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images) /
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According to one source, Everton will rival any Southampton bid for young centre-back Wesley Hoedt.

As per a report in the Liverpool Echo, Southampton are not alone in their interest in Wesley Hoedt, a 23-year-old Dutch defender currently plying his trade in Italy.

The Lazio man has enjoyed a solid amount of first-team football since his arrival from AZ Alkmaar, with just under 50 appearances under his belt since joining the side two years ago.

It’s now believed that the centre-back has a value of around £12 million, with the Saints interested in bringing him as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

Despite no reports of a concrete bid being lodged for Saints’ own Dutch defender, it’s believed that the 26-year-old is still keen to leave after a week of training alone following his initial decision.

Mauricio Pellegrino left the former-Celtic man out of his squad for the pre-season camp in France, with the hope that a week away would help change van Dijk’s mind.

PIEVE DI CADORE, ITALY – JULY 15: Wesley Hoedt of SS Lazio during the to visit Lazio Style Village on July 15, 2017 in Pieve di Cadore, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
PIEVE DI CADORE, ITALY – JULY 15: Wesley Hoedt of SS Lazio during the to visit Lazio Style Village on July 15, 2017 in Pieve di Cadore, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images) /

However whilst links to Hoedt might only be speculation, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Southampton were shopping around for potential replacements. Currently only Maya Yoshida boasts serious Premier League experience if you exclude Virgil, with Florin Gardos, Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek all lacking for different reasons.

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It could therefore be argued that Hoedt isn’t what Southampton need if van Dijk is sold, but that doesn’t mean for a relatively low investment he wouldn’t be worth the risk.

But if the Saints were to try and sign the defender – who stands at six-foot-three – they would challenged by the free-spending Everton, led by Ronald Koeman.

The Toffees have already brought in Michael Keane to partner Ashley Williams at the back, but more reinforcements would be needed if the former Southampton boss was hoping to push for a Champions League spot.

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