Sheffield United is fast progressing to materialise their interest in signing Saints fan-favourite target Oliver Antman to replace Rhian Brewster.
Recently, Saints fans heard of ex-boss Russell Martin's double-winger plan, and it's safe to say, they would want Southampton to learn from him. After all, the way he fulfilled the demands of his Rangers side by inculcating the signings desired by Southampton, a club that still closely reflects his ideals in transfer recruits, is commendable.
Well, call it anything, but utilising one's former experience in this way on a new spell is an admirable leap. So much so that another ex-Saints boss is taking a lesson from Martin's plans to shock his former club.
It's Russell Martin's role predecessor, Ruben Selles, as he is plucking a leaf out of Martin's masterstroke by going all in for Saints target Oliver Antman.
Recently, journalist Alan Nixon revealed Sheffield's ambitions to sign Antman as the club is willing to part with a fair share of their transfer funds to bring in the Eredivisie assist chart leader.
Saints fans won't be furious with Selles for Antman swoop
Honestly, having seen the winger's demand in the second-tier, Sheffield's plans to spend big on Antman would hardly surprise Saints. But while another slipping on transfer must intrigue fans, they will hardly be bothered by this move.
Now, an obvious reason for it stems from Southampton's lethargic transfer moves on long-scouted Antman. Yet, interestingly, the primary cause is their concern for Rhian Brewster, whom Antman is coming to replace.
That's because former Liverpool wonderkid Brewster's case reminds Saints fans of their prodigy talent, Michael Obafemi. Both started as sensations, but around their mid-20s, they now feel stuck in their careers.
Well, that's where Antman's signing can help Brewster to start on a new route away from the English division, where things have been a bit too harsh on him. Who knows, a Sheffield departure was necessary to turn around his situation for the better.
Additionally, with Antman operating in the same role as Dibling, he wouldn't have been the best return on investment for Southampton. So, isn't it brilliant that ultimately, it's their ex-gaffer Selles winning this move, for whom they had earlier vouched in this summer window for a new role.