Southampton: Saints lining up move for promising Polish goalkeeper

Southampton are said to be lining up a move for promising Polish goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski from Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.

According to an exclusive report from Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Saints were just a few details from completing a deal for the 21-year-old.

However, another report from the same source today states that fellow South Coast club Bournemouth are now offering more money to his parent club in a bid to secure his signature.

Dragowski is said to have impressed during the second half of the 2018/19 season when he joined Empoli on a short-term loan deal.

Just three appearances had come for him with Fiorentina but he went on to play 14 further games from February through to May, keeping three clean sheets despite Empoli being relegated to Serie B on goal difference.

The man who has been capped by Poland up to Under-21s level forged a reputation for making vital reflex saves and relieving pressure on his defence with punches and claims.

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Some Saints fans may be a little confused as to why the club seem to be pursuing another player in a position that may not need additions this summer.

The club already have Angus Gunn, Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster to call on, whilst fellow goalkeepers Harry Lewis and Jack Rose are also part of the first-team/Under-23s setup.

Gunn was signed at the beginning of the last campaign for around £10m from Manchester City, but it was McCarthy who started the season as the first-choice shot-stopper.

The reason for Saints signing Dragowski may be a return to the transfer strategy that served them so well in the past.

Buying players of great potential at a low price who may be worth double of more after proving themselves in the Premier League could mean more frustration for more sections of the Saints support.

However, they have been less successful when trying to stray away from this in recent years since Europa League qualification, and returning to their previous strategy would see them welcome top class talent looking to prove themselves.

This led to the club’s highest ever league finish of sixth in 2015/16 and means that superb success can be enjoyed; albeit in short bursts.