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Southampton: Saints reportedly in four-way tussle for Chelsea defender

By Marc Walker

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Gary Cahill of Chelsea applauds the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Watford FC at Stamford Bridge on May 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Gary Cahill of Chelsea applauds the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Watford FC at Stamford Bridge on May 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Southampton are reportedly in a four-way tussle to sign Chelsea defender Gary Cahill this summer as they look to bolster their defence.

According to the Express (Tuesday 21st May 2019, pg 64), the Saints are pursuing the former England international along with West Ham and potentially promoted duo Derby County and Sheffield United.

Cahill has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge this season and only made six starts for Maurizio Sarri’s side, whilst only two substitute appearances came for him in the Premier League.

The report from the Express states that Derby may be front-runners for his services if they gain promotion via the play-offs due to the link between former teammates Cahill and Rams manager Frank Lampard.

Saints are certainly in need of defensive reinforcements before the 2019/20 campaign  they continued to leak goals under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 06: Gary Cahill looks on during an England training session at Spartak Zelenogorsk Stadium on July 6, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 06: Gary Cahill looks on during an England training session at Spartak Zelenogorsk Stadium on July 6, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

They kept just three clean sheets from when the Austrian joined in December until the end of the season in May.

Player such as Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard impressed but another senior head who can lead from defence would be invaluable.

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Saints would have to consider whether they want to make a decent financial commitment to 33-year-old Cahill to bring him in.

He is available on a free transfer with his contract running out at the end of June but is understood to be on wages of around £75,000 per week, which would be close to making him the highest earner at St Mary’s should he join.

One thing that he would bring is some considerable experience after playing in the top-flight for both Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea.

He’s played 349 Premier League games in his career and would probably feel like he can stay at the highest level for another two or three seasons.

Cahill is only the second defender to be linked with Saints this summer despite their need for additions in that area.

Lloyd Kelly – originally at Bristol City –  was mentioned as a potential £15m purchase but he joined fellow South coast club Bournemouth last week.

Next. Saints 2018/19 Season Player Review: Jan Bednarek. dark

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