Ex-Saints fullback and Conference League winner Ainsley Maitland-Niles is wanted by another competition winner, David Moyes.
Like it or not, but while the last season came full of miseries for Southampton, it was completely a rejuvenating one for the English division in general. And all for how it inspired the mid and bottom table clubs to leap out of their average roles.
With Crystal Palace and Tottenham having secured European tickets, despite just modest league finishes, it shows what is possible in the division, at least for mid-table clubs.
What's intriguing further? Some sides, like Everton, who finished just below Conference League qualifying Crystal Palace last season, have begun preparation to imitate similar successes.
Now, for Saints fans aware of Everton's transfer interests, it comes as no surprise if David Moyes' side tries to utilise the Saints' success to their own benefit again. Indeed, that's the case, once again, as Everton set sights on ex-Saint Ainsley Maitland-Niles for their European chances.
Everton's Maitland-Niles plans will annoy Southampton
Recently, Sky Sports confirmed Everton's interest, as the Top Flight suit plan uniting a Conference League winner in Maitland-Niles to another in boss David Moyes. Needless to say, a potential move brings them closer to their Conference League dream, which feels the most realistic goal for their situation.
Now, obviously, this interest annoys Saints fans, who wouldn't want their former hero to join hands with Everton, the club that has given them multiple concerns this summer.
Yet the fearful part? Maitland-Niles could be persuaded by Moyes to join in his Everton project.
That's because, while Lyon's relegation has been overturned, there isn't certainty on how things fare for them next. In this scenario, any transfer interest and, for that matter, an offer from Moyes can be difficult to deny for Maitland-Niles, who will be aware of the turnaround the manager did at Everton despite taking charge in the winter last season.
Well, for now, Maitland-Niles to Everton remains a rumour buzz. But with Bednarek's Porto switch in front, it wouldn't take too much to have the Saints fans accept it if Everton actually completes a double on ex-Saints.