Southampton are losing ground in bringing Lewis O'Brien to St. Mary's but this update isn't an issue as long as they refrain from selling Flynn Downes.
Currently, Southampton's midfield finds itself away from the transfer gossip but there is no escaping from criticism. Yesterday, Flynn Downes experienced his share of a scathing Premier League review which was otherwise themed around Lewis O'Brien related performance fears.
Still, Saints never know what their transfer chiefs might do next, thus, the O'Brien speculations can't be written off until he stays at Nottingham Forest.
Gladly, that waiting period is building up to be a short one with journalist Alan Nixon mentioning a £5m interference made by Hull City. Understandably, Southampton are losing ground on O'Brien's signature and further patience will straightaway imply a transfer defeat.
Saints need supporting forwards more than new midfielders
For the fans, who have seen no concrete movements in any striker deal, letting the O'Brien opportunity run down is no big concern for them. Plus, it's high time both Southampton and the fanbase stopped underestimating their alternatives in the middle of the park.
Assuming that Mateus Fernandes and Shea Charles stay put and only one of Will Smallbone or Joe Aribo leaves, then, the Saints need only a single candidate at best. Going by the usual pattern, that could be an academy starlet promoted by Still in the event of Flynn Downes jumping ships during the summer window.
On the safer side, everyone admits that retaining Downes' services for another twelve months will provide a better scenario to excel in the second-division. So, all things considered, there is practically no need to reduce the transfer budget in over-strengthening the central midfield area.
Instead, a couple of playmakers, be it wide attackers or an attack-oriented midfielder can help take the squad's matchday calibre to a whole different level.