Southampton: Club target Tanganga as Maitland-Niles deal breaks down

Southampton have pulled out of the race to sign Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles on transfer deadline day.

According to multiple media sources close to Saints, including Adam Blackmore, Dan Sheldon, Tom Leach and Tom Barclay, those at St Mary’s became frustrated with negotiations with the players and his representatives and will now move onto other targets before this evening’s deadline.

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas and Simon Peach, Saints have now moved onto a pursuit of Spurs defender Japhet Tanganga – a player capable of playing across the backline.

The 21-year-old impressed hugely in his early days as a Spurs first-team player but has been hampered by injuries this season. However, he looks to be past these problems having played in the FA Cup, EFl Cup and Europa League recently.

Saints dealt Maitland-Niles blow, Tanganga targeted

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• 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

Given that Maitland-Niles was their main target on deadline day, this news will be a blow for Saints. However, with links between the Arsenal man and fellow Premier League clubs Leicester City and West Brom, it may be better to move on to targets who are set on a move to the South Coast.

Tanganga will get senior games at St Mary’s and has significant competition to deal with at Spurs so is said to be available for a move if the right one becomes available for him.

As a young player too, the idea of playing under Ralph Hasenhuttl – renowned for his ability to develop youth talent – and still in the Premier League could appeal to him.

Saints are potentially still involved in other deals today too. Early rumours had linked them with a swap deal that would see Bournemouth’s Josh King arrive at St Mary’s and Shane Long move the other way.

Yan Valery is expected to move to Birmingham City on loan if a full-back is signed, whilst goalkeeper Harry Lewis could also be on the move (Links to all mentioned reports can be found here)