Southampton are now set to keep hold of defender Lyanco, with the club recently rejecting a transfer offer from Botafogo.
The Lowdown: Interest in Lyanco
South American football reporter Jorge Nicola previously indicated, via Hampshire Live, that the Brazilian was considering a move back to his home country in 2023, having featured for just 231 minutes in the Premier League this season.
However, a new development has now come to light which indicates that the centre-back may be staying at St Mary's in the near future, with the club unwilling to part with their £6.4m asset.
The Latest: Bid rejected
As per a fresh update from Nicola, via Sport Witness, the Saints have reportedly priced Botafogo out of a deal 'in recent days', while also declining to let the 25-year-old leave on loan, which was initially the preferred option of the potential suitors.
The Brazilian Serie A side have now given up on the deal, with the likelihood now being that the £18k-per-week earner stays put on the South Coast, although it remains to be seen how much he will be utilised by new manager Nathan Jones.
The Verdict: Right decision?
Given the Saints' current situation, trying to preserve their Premier League status, it is probably wise to keep as many defensive options at the club as possible, especially if the transfer offers they have received are not up to scratch.
Furthermore, the 6 foot 2 enforcer has shown some good signs at times this season, being lauded as 'superb' by NBC writer Joe Prince-Wright in the wake of his performance in a 1-1 draw against league leaders Arsenal, highlighting he has the talent to put in some quality displays against the top teams.
If the titan was handed a more extended run in the starting lineup, he would be able to exhibit his talents more regularly, particularly flourishing in blocks, registering 1.79 per 90 minutes over the past year, in the 94th percentile compared to his positional peers.
Jones will have had time to assess his squad while the season has been paused for the World Cup, and Lyanco has the ability to be an important part of it, if he is given game time.