Porto has just seen a bid rejected for Taylor Harwood-Bellis weeks after they were rumoured to join Tyler Dibling's transfer race.
Let's be honest Southampton fans, with Romeo Lavia through to the Club World Cup quarter-finals, it's going a smooth support journey for us so far. But while a content one for the supporters, the tournament is proving vital to affect Southampton's summer window plans.
Well, that's been mainly for Porto's shocking crash out at the mega event. Being drawn into a group with Inter Miami, Botafogo and Al Ahly, the club looked favourites to make it to the knockouts.
But with Botafogo going through, they are the ones facing Chelsea next, a place Porto should have been in. And what's surprising is that this elimination has led the Portuguese club to launch attempts for a Southampton transfer swoop to improve their squad.
Honestly, a regular European participant showing interest in Saints players may irk many, but their recent actions speak of it loudly.
Porto determined to swoop at least a Saints superstar this summer
That's because after being nominated as a surprise entry to Tyler Dibling's transfer race, Porto has now set sights on exploring Taylor Harwood-Bellis. In fact, the interest has been such concerted that the Liga Portugal giant isn't affected by an early rejection.
As per Sky Sports(via Daily Echo), Porto recently had a shot at Harwood-Bellis' signing arriving with a bid worth £19million. Now, while the Saints sent it back straightaway, Porto are tipped to continue their efforts for a Southampton raid.
Honestly, this update would pinch all those Saints fans who have taken Harwood-Bellis' stay for granted now. But what's further intriguing? Even if not for Harwood-Bellis' signing, Porto can prize away a key Saints asset this summer.
Unfortunately, that name is Mateus Fernandes. Having arrived at St. Mary's from Porto's rivals Sporting, Fernandes can come as a no-brainer alternative if they remain firm for a Saints signing.
Needless to say, tensions seem to likely build up at St. Mary's as the club foresees a series of potential offers for either Dibling, Harwood-Bellis or Mateus. For now, just the hope remains that even if the Saints part ways with any of them, they do so minding the long-term consequences of it.