According to a report from The Daily Echo, Southampton are on the verge of sealing a deal for Denmark international defender Jannik Vestergaard. The 25-year-old was part of the Danish squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia although failed to appear during the tournament, with his side bowing out of the competition at the last 16 stage following an agonising defeat to Croatia on penalties.

Yet it looks as though the centre back is closing in on a move to St Mary’s, which is sure to spell seriously bad news for current Saints defender Jan Bednarek.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the 22-year-old only made the move to the South Coast last summer after coming up through the ranks and then starring for Lech Poznan, although the defender was unable to break into the first team at St Mary’s until the very end of the 2017/18 season.

The Poland international failed to muster a Premier League appearance for the Saints until April 14 in starting their 3-2 defeat to Chelsea at St Mary’s, and he must have done something right given he then earned four successive starts in the league under Mark Hughes.

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And while many may feel that Bednarek is now very much in contention for a starting role this season, Vestergaard’s arrival is sure to push him down the pecking order, and with the ever-reliable Maya Yoshida, the impressive Wesley Hoedt, and Jack Stephens still at the club, it remains to be seen whether he is a first-choice next term.

The fact that Hughes is reportedly seeking to play three at the back is sure to aid in Bednarek’s quest, but having featured on fewer occasions than the aforementioned Saints trio last season in the Premier League, he could be the man to significantly suffer from Vestergaard’s arrival.

Thus, the £12.6 million-rated (as per Transfermarkt) star’s seemingly imminent move to St Mary’s could spell seriously bad news for Bednarek in his hopes of making the grade at Southampton.

Southampton fans… what do you think? Let us know!