Southampton blatantly reject Atalanta's £10m bid to swoop away Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Currently, it's celebrations for Southampton, who made the first win of this transfer window by departing Paul Onuachu. And while all fans would be more than happy for the sale, there won't be a more proudman than Saints icon Francis Benali.
Despite registering a transfer deficit, Southampton have finally acted on Benali's advice by undoing their Onuachu mistake. Still, going by the legend's words, the work is only halfway done.
Intriguingly, the remaining half is tipped to be even more difficult. That's because while they felt en route to accomplish the mission with Sulemana's deal, a transfer move has just got complicated.
Yesterday, the St. Mary's was all grinning knowing Atalanta's £12.5m interest in Sulemana, but an agreement is far given the recent updates. Though tipped to go all the way for Juric's preferred signing, the Serie A club has begun the negotiations with a lowball offer worth £10m.
Southampton's response to the offer? As was expected, the Saints have straightaway declined the bid as per Sky Sports reports.
Saints mustn't compromise on Sulemana's speculated fee
Honestly, this Saints decision would come hardly surprising to the fans, who must have been bothered by the paltry offer. After all, with many clubs, including a return suitor in Ajax present in the transfer race, Atalanta showing up with a lower fee than speculated humiliates the Saints fans.
But otherwise too, apart from the honour of their record signing ever, the Southampton board has many reasons to reject such an ask.
In case you remember, days ago, a £3.5m extra fee had the club in doubt to continue their Willem Geubbels interest or not. So, it makes sense for Southampton to not easily let go of that £2.5m fee difference from the initial amount.
Well, Southampton's stance looks firm on Sulemana's transfer of not selling him below their valuation. But, will the club manage to agree with Atalanta on this? Let's wait and watch.