Southampton: Saints miss out on transfer after work permit issues

Southampton missed out on signing midfielder Ibrahim Sangare after work permit issues prevented him from playing in England.

According to BBC Radio Solent reporter Adam Blackmore, the FA refused the Ivory Coast international the chance to play for Saints before his eventual move to PSV Eindhoven was confirmed.

Sangare emerged as a target for Saints last week as they looked to add another central-midfielder before the close of the transfer window on the 5th October.

The 22-year-old has become one of the hottest midfield prospects playing in Europe after impressing for Toulouse in Ligue 2 and moved to PSV for a bargain fee of just £8m.

Ralph Hasenhuttl referred to Saints’ hunt for a new signing recently and mentioned that some of the club’s targets have been missed out on.

Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s meeting with Burnley last Saturday, the Austrian said:

"“The players which were our number one choice, it wasn’t as easy to get them but we still have alternatives that we are still keen on coming to us on either loan or permanent. We know we need one or two players maybe three. “One of our options cost a lot of money and it is frustrating when you see them playing for another team and you want them but don’t get them because of the willingness of other clubs.”"

Ultimately, the draw of Premier League football will see Saints bring in that extra midfielder before the deadline on Monday.

More from Saints Marching

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• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Fresh links confirm they are looking at a possible deal to bring in SC Heerenveen man Joey Veelman – another talented youngster who has impressed in the Dutch Eredivisie at just 21-years-old.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also been mentioned as a loan signing from Chelsea but an agreement there may be reliant on the Blues subsidising some of the England man’s wages. Other Premier League clubs are also said to be pursuing the 24-year-old.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that the club are looking to bring in up to three players before the transfer window closes on Monday and that could also include an attacker to replace the outgoing Sofiane Boufal.

Boufal is set to be one of three or four players to leave St Mary’s. Wesley Hoedt and Angus Gunn look certain to secure loan deals whilst Jannik Vestergaard has been linked with a move to West Ham – although the Dane’s performance at Burnley on Saturday proved that he can play a part for Saints this season.