Southampton will be bitterly disappointed with their performance against Fulham on Saturday as they threw away a promising position to lose 3-2.
The Saints have struggled to ensure consistency in the current campaign under Mark Hughes, which has put them in a worry position at this moment in time. And, to make things even worse, it appears as if Southampton look set to miss out on a transfer target, as according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Inside Futbol), Rafael Toloi intends to sign a new deal at Italian club Atalanta.
Southampton are reportedly interested in taking Rafael Toloi to the Premier League this winter.
However, the defender seems to have killed the rumours of him leaving Atalanta and has insisted that he wants to sign a new long-term deal with the Serie A outfit.
Here’s what the Brazilian had to say about his future:
“I am 28 years old.
“I know I am at a decisive moment in my career, but I have a contract until 2020 with Atalanta.
“We are talking about a new contract and I hope to sign it as soon as possible.”
“It [leaving] has never been under consideration.”
THE VERDICT:
Southampton are in desperate need of a central defender as they’ve struggled to ensure defensive solidity this season.
Rafael Toloi has been one of the standout performers for Atalanta in the current campaign, with one goal and three assists to his name at this moment in time. He has experience in the Europa League and has played all over the world, so he could definitely do the job for the Saints.
