Wolves, Molineux, Premier League, Dael Fry
Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Dean Jones of Eurosport has made a transfer claim involving Southampton and towering Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry.
The Lowdown: Southampton eye summer moves…
As reported recently, the Saints and transfer chief Martin Semmens already have their eyes peeled on strengthening manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s options ahead of possible summer moves.
They have been linked with the likes of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and a permanent move for loanee striker Armando Broja from Chelsea.
Another Blues starlet in Tino Anjorin is also being scouted by the Saints but it appears those targets are not the only ones, at least according to Jones.
The Latest: Jones makes Fry claim…
Speaking to GMS, the reporter says Southampton are also in the mix to sign Boro’s star defender as they are ‘very interested’ alongside a number of clubs.
“Dael Fry and [Marcus] Tavernier are obviously making headlines at the moment following Middlesbrough’s great win,” Jones explained.
“Both of those players will be available in the summer if Middlesbrough don’t manage to win promotion. So, there are a lot of Premier League clubs looking at these two players, Dael Fry, in particular, Wolves, Brighton, West Ham and Southampton are all very interested in him.”
The Verdict: Get it done?
Described as irreplaceable last year by former Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock, the Championship side could apparently demand around £20 million for his services.
A hefty fee for a player from England’s second tier, Fry has perhaps done just enough to earn that valuation going by his plaudits and comparisons in the past.
Likened to Manchester City defender John Stones (90min), the 24-year-old mainstay has been called ‘unbelievable‘ by his Riverside teammate Tavernier.
Of course, a figure around £20m is huge for Southampton and Semmens would have to weigh paying such an extortionate fee very carefully – even with the backing of Serbian-born businessman Dragan Solak and Sport Republic.
In other news: talkSPORT journalist: Southampton now ‘most likely’ to sign ‘unreal’ international, find out more here.
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