Three Southampton players who can join Rangers at a nominal transfer fee as the Scottish outfit drops hints regarding their summer spending strategy.
Since Russell Martin received the coaching keys at Rangers, the Saints fans have experienced mixed emotions nonetheless. Initially, their happiness knew no bounds but an unexpected sort of transfer rivalry is fast developing between them with no end in sight.
At one stage, the Saints were concerned about losing a significant portion of their regular mainstays to them, which fortunately isn't translating to reality. But if you thought that was the end of an Ibrox raid on St. Mary's, then sorry to say but, such fears have been given fresh transfer thoughts again.
In their own words, the Daily Record quoted the Scottish outfit's interesting plan: "If we give you a number right now, suddenly that winger we're targeting becomes a lot more expensive so it’s best for you all if we surprise you with the players we bring in."
Thus, the writing on the wall is clear that they will chase cost-effective options and there could be as many as three ideal targets the Premiership hopefuls can swoop from the Saints without any negotiation stand-offs. That being said, below are the Southampton trio who can hit the ground running again in Martin's training camp.
Saints trio who can ease Martin's transfer headache
Ryan Manning
Honestly, Manning always played catch-up with the Premier League starting spot but make no mistake, the Scot is an ardent believer in the 29-year-old's talent. Plus, one of Martin's early Saints decision was also recruiting Manning which is paying off well in strengthening Southampton's left-back depth.
Now, this quantity upper-hand could convince the club to part ways with Manning in exchange for a modest transfer fee. Quality wise, Manning is the best full-back at the club yet Will Still might not have massive concerns in getting the best out of the others.
Ryan Fraser
Generally, every Scottish international had previously donned the colours of either Celtic or Rangers but Fraser is a popular exception to this belief. Hence, a switch to the latter will present a new challenge to the fringe Saints attacker who is believed to be used here as a third-choice forward at best.
For these reasons, it's crystal clear that should Martin come vying for his trusted wide midfielder, then, the club shouldn't bother much about retaining Fraser, if not allowing him a free transfer to his homeland.
Alex McCarthy
Recently, Aaron Ramsdale has been tipped to be the future favourite to guard Rangers goal but it won't take long for those fancy scenarios to fall apart. Who knows, the Scottish giants may only need a stop-gap solution behind the sticks for the time being, and as such, can turn their attention towards Alex McCarthy.
Here, Martin might not be fully convinced to give his green light but it's wise to admit that the 35-year-old shot-stopper was rarely called into action. Still, whenever he took the field, McCarthy never failed to step up regardless if that's a Wembley evening with promotion on the line or if Martin is desperate for some wins.