Southampton: Three immediate alternatives to James Maddison

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IPSWICH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: James Maddison of Norwich City looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Norwich City at Portman Road on October 22, 2017 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /

Reports from earlier today have claimed that Leicester have beaten Southampton to the signature of young midfielder James Maddison.

The news isn’t easy to take for Saints fans, who just 48 hours ago were under the impression they were home and host in signing the 21-year-old playmaker.

Now however it seems that Claude Puel has come back to haunt his former side, with the Norwich City player having supposedly chosen a move to the Foxes over one to the Saints.

Southampton however can’t spend time licking their wounds and need to get back into the transfer market ASAP – the lack of business in the month that has followed the season’s conclusion has been criminal and the board need to get back out there and sign some fresh talent.

It’s safe to assume that by bidding for Maddison, Southampton are in the market for a new #10 or at least a central player capable of bombing forward when needed. One obvious alternative is Stuart Armstrong – the man has been linked with Saints several times over the past year or so, as recently as a week ago too.

However, outside of the Scot, what three players should the Saints turn their attention to after losing out on Maddison?