Max Johnston expresses his desire to play at the Top Flight level, hinting at disapproval at his Southampton links.
The Will Still led summer transfer business has begun in full flow at Southampton. And by the look of things, the Saints want to tackle their defensive issues first.
At the heart of the defence, Southampton have already added Joshua Quarshie to enhance squad strength. Well, up next is a right-back reinforcement in coming, given the club's recent transfer interests.
But, truth be told, Southampton's full-back search isn't new. Despite having spent months in the transfer market, the Saints have so far failed to find veteran Kyle Walker-Peters' replacement. And their search continues even now.
Sad to say, but maybe it's Southampton's fear of rejection by their initial targets, that forces them to look out for more in this position only.
Guess what? These speculations are indeed true as the club's long-touted target has hinted at disapproval of a Saints move.
It's Max Johnston who is clear to leave Austria only for a Top Flight move.
Max Johnston will not join Southampton or any Championship club
As quoted by the Daily Echo, Johnston responded on his Southampton links, saying: "As a player, I've got a level that I want to achieve and play at, and that is definitely the top. I've seen all the rumours and stuff."
Honestly, to some, England's Championship can also mean top-level football, but Johnston's next hints are far more specific.
Ahead, the 21-year-old named Real Madrid as his dream club, stating his ambitions of a grand entry to the biggest European clubs only. Shall it not happen this summer, the full-back feels committed to declining even offers from interesting English names like Southampton.
Well, but honestly, Johnston's rigid stance can't be called given he's just won the Austrian Bundesliga recently.
But for the Saints, Max Johnston's transfer hopes feel over for now. Maybe Southampton's fate wants to see them local Scottish talents, like James Penrice instead of outsiders like Max Jonhston. But will that too happen, let's see.