Southampton Summer Wishlist 2018: Chris Hughes

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SWANSEA, WALES – MARCH 17: Alfie Mawson of Swansea City during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur at Liberty Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Alfie Mawson (Swansea City)

Much like Ed, I firmly believe that Alfie Mawson is the best option for a new centre-back this summer.

It remains unclear whether Southampton will look to play with a four or five-man defence this upcoming season, but what is certain is that a new defender is needed. Furthermore when you look at the Saints’ current back-line, they are desperately in need of a physical, more orthodox defender to partner the modern, ball-playing centre-halves currently at their disposal.

That isn’t to say that Mawson can’t play a pass himself, but first and foremost he is a six-foot-three centre-back who can out-muscle just about any player in this league.

It’s believed that a bid of around £20 million would be sufficient for the Swans to part way with the man who was ever-present last campaign, and whilst this would be one of the Saints’ biggest investments this summer, it’d be worth it.

Alongside one or two of the Saints’ other centre-backs, Southampton could have a formidable and young defence with the addition of Mawson.