Nothing came out of Southampton's brief Rav Van den Berg desire and the same can happen with his Dutch compatriot Xavier Mbuyamba as well.
These days, Southampton keep visiting every flop star's talent lookalike to finally get one recruitment right. But back then, fan favourites weren't just names, they were the standards every incoming replacement player was expected to match.
Sadly, what was once a bulletproof approach began falling apart the moment Virgil Van Dijk needed replacing at St. Mary's. Among the Dutch talent pool, Wesley Hoedt was backed to step into Van Dijk's shoes but wish, the fans could still say that proudly.
This summer, the chance to make amends on the centre-back front was there for the taking with an emerging Dutchman in Rav Van den Berg. But turns out, his current club has a waiting list of offers to sell him far from the Saints eyes.
Mbuyamba can find new home before Saints attempt bids
Fair enough, Middlesbrough will obviously want to sell him to the highest bidders but Southampton's regret number two is also related to it. So, the Championship rivals will have to rush into arranging a backup, and according to Football League World, it could be new Saints target Xavier Mbuyamba.
It's no secret that Russell Martin is always attentive to Mbuyamba's rumours and now Middlesbrough joining in can pale down Southampton's transfer say. The 23-year-old might've given a squad depth luxury in the Championship, but every pre-preparation is somewhere not enough on the Premier League stage.
As such, getting transfer blows here and there, are all the more detrimental for the Saints. On top of that, the ongoing preseason week may delay Southampton's response on these speculations, as to whether they will act fast with an offer or will let it go.