Southampton: Alfie Mawson linked with move to the Saints
By Chris Hughes
Today reports have emerged linking the Swansea centre-back with Southampton, following their relegation at the weekend.
Outside of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, Mawson has arguably been the Swans’ only decent player all campaign, with the Welsh side having been fairly unimpressive all season.
However the English defender has been somewhat of a shining light, being a rock at the back as well as being one of only five outfield players to start and play all 38 games for his team this campaign.
Now, the Guardian are reporting that Southampton are one of a handful of Premier League sides interested in the 24-year-old who may look to move on following his side’s relegation from the top flight.
Also keen are Tottenham and West Ham according to said report – with both sides almost certainly able to offer better wages and a better location, it’s arguable that the Saints are third in the running for the defender already.
However if the opportunity does arise for Southampton to sign the ex-Barnsley man they should 100% go for it – Mawson is just the right type of defender the Southampton back-line is crying out for.
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Despite the arrival of Wesley Hoedt last summer, it’s arguable that Southampton never replaced the kind of centre-half they lost after Jose Fonte joined West Ham last January.
Fonte was a more traditional defender than the likes of Yoshida and Jack Stephens, and Mawson’s old-school style of play is comparable to the former Southampton captain. Having also lost Virgil van Dijk in January without replacement, the Saints are desperate for a new defender this summer and the Swansea man could be the perfect signing.
With Mark Hughes almost certainly staying on as Southampton’s boss for the forthcoming campaign at least, the Saints have no reason not to press on with transfer business early this summer and get deals done sooner rather than later.
With that in mind, Mawson could be a great way for the Saints to begin their summer spending, but they’ll face some stiff competition for his signature.