Newcastle lead on Southampton's goalkeeping target Yahia Fofana, who is tipped to prefer the Magpies for a Premier League move.
It's been some days, but Southampton fans would still not be over the recent Man City draw. Especially that moment when, after an excellent show for the Saints, Aaron Ramsdale dropped in a banger of a comment for the home fans.
But while that was a moment to savour, it’s sadly set to become a poignant memory for Saints supporters soon. That's because, probably, it was the last time they saw Ramsdale celebrating in a Southampton shirt.
Amidst hot transfer links for the 27-year-old keeper, Ramsdale's departure is certain, leaving Southampton with a mammoth task to replace him this summer.
But their problem is eternal, why would a top prospect prefer Southampton? After all, not everyone is Aaron Ramsdale, to choose a project like the Saints.
Take, for instance, the case of their current priority target, Ligue 1 keeper Yahia Fofana.
Southampton fight losing transfer battle for goalkeeper Yahia Fofana
Having helped Angers SCO get promoted last year, and being solid in goal with 7 clean sheets once more this year, Fofana has naturally drawn in transfer interest. And, unsurprisingly, that includes Top Flight interest from Newcastle, Southampton and even Torino.
Sounds exciting for us Saints fans given Fofana can move for around €10m, right? But actually it ain't. That's because, as per a recent Sport Witness report, the Frenchman is tipped to prefer a Magpies move, even before considering the demoted Southampton side.
But again, what can the Saints fans even do? Given they can't even blame Fofana for not preferring them for an uncertain journey in the Championship ahead.
And so the despair, given that the supporters have long given up on backup keeper Gavin Bazunu.
Well, while it feels a manageable issue till the season concludes, Southampton's keeping hunt will only grow frustrated once the transfer window kicks off.
Who knows, even a situation may arise when the fans are forced to see Bazunu back again? But let's hope Southampton's situation ends up better than this.