Sheffield United and Southampton won't just be competing on the pitch next season, but the transfer window too. In fact, they're already locking horns.
Next season, the Saints will be returning to the Championship. It'll be their second season in England's second division in the last three years. At surface level, it might appear bleak, but at this point, the Saints are just happy they can go out and win some games next campaign.
A team they will certainly be competing with for one of those three promotion slots is Sheffield United. The Blades came painstakingly close to the top of the ladder, but missed out via a late Sunderland comeback in the playoffs.
The two teams are both in that "slightly too good for the Championship, way too bad for the Premier League" calibre. They experience the highs in one season and the lows in the next. Still, it's what fans live for, isn't it?
Lo and behold, Southampton and Sheffield United might find a new rivalry next season. After all, the Championship is oozing with quality, and it's a tough division to get out of, so it's every team for themselves.
Southampton's top summer target is poached by a bitter new rival
If recent reports are anything to go by, neither Southampton nor Sheffield United are wasting any time in getting their edge.
According to a report from EFL Analyis, Sheffield United is in the market to replace Gustavo Hamer, who is bound to secure a top-tier transfer this summer. On their radar is Southampton transfer target Jack Rudoni, who currently operates for Jack Rudoni.
Of course, Sheffield United has no concern in dealing with Coventry. It was actually the Sky Blues who they signed Hamer from originally, and now they're looking to sign his replacement from the Midlands outfit too.
However, not if the Saints have anything to do with it. Southampton is bound to have a large transfer kitty. They will sell some key players, including Tyler Dibling, for big money. Heck, they may even get a timely financial takeover, who knows?
Jack Rudoni is a versatile midfielder, who won't say no to any tactical system. Under Frank Lampard, he's been asked to fill various roles, and has been the main man both defensively and offensively. Therefore, it's clear to see why he's wanted by various EFL clubs.