As Southampton's hunt for a goalkeeper continues unabated, fresh rumours have emerged linking the club with Bayern Munich's Israeli international, Daniel Peretz.
According to a Bavarian website, quoting Sport Bild, Bayern Munich are searching for a new loan club for their second-string goalkeeper who has struggled for playing time on loan at SV Hamburg.
Peretz has failed to dislodge Daniel Heuer Fernandes at Hamburg. Fernandes has held on to the number one spot for four years at SV and Peretz is badly in need of match sharpness.
The reasons for replacing Bazunu are crystal clear
On paper, a deal for Peretz could work well for both Southampton and Bayern Munich. The former are seemingly intent on replacing Gavin Bazunu, who has struggled to reach the potential expected of him when he joined the club from Manchester City in 2022.
Under Southampton's new boss, Tonda Eckert, Bazunu's form has improved but doubts remain over his shot stopping and his ability to claim high balls.
Fans of the club would have loved nothing more than for the Republic of Ireland international to have been the answer. His calmness with the ball at his feet under pressure has enabled Eckert's side to play out from the back.
The consequences of not recruiting now could be catastrophic
But, Saints fans are well aware that their promotion chances could be over should they not invest in a keeper during the coming January transfer window.
The Southampton board seem to be of the same opinion and have mobilsed the scouting network. Yesterday, Saints Marching reported on rumoured interest in Sunderland's Anthony Patterson.
During the summer transfer window, the South Coast club were linked with both Patterson and Peretz. Fresh rumours ahead of the january window were highly predctable. Once James Trafford's name is mentioned again, the football media will have the hat-trick.
The gamble in signng Daniel Peretz should not be underestimated. Should Johannes Spors bring the Israeli to St Mary's, it could be his bravest decision so far.
The 25-year-old has yet to make a league appearance for SV Hamburg and he has made just four appearances in two seasons in the Bundesliga. To find any useful form data, you have to revisit Peretz' Maccabi Tel Aviv 2021-22 UEFA Conference League performances.
On that form alone, Peretz could be a viable option. But, with the promotion stakes as high as they are, Spors would be foolish to roll the dice.