According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Southampton are now leading the race to sign Manchester City right-back Issa Kabore.

The Lowdown: Kabore profiled

The 21-year-old first arrived in the Premier League when he joined the Sky Blues in 2020, but he spent last season on loan at Troyes, who are part of the City Football Group.

The defender has since returned to England, but after failing to make a single appearance at the Etihad Stadium during his two-year spell, he is likely to find himself being sent out again to further develop his game.

The Saints had registered their interest in the youngster but were set to face competition from promoted Nottingham Forest. However, following a fresh update, it seems that the south coast outfit are now in pole position for his signature.

The Latest: Southampton in talks for Kabore

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Southampton are now in negotiations with Manchester City over a potential loan deal for Kabore.

He said: “Southampton have now opened talks to sign Issa Kabore on loan from Man City. He’s attracting lot of interest, Nottingham Forest had £17m bid turned down - Saints now leading the race.

“Talks ongoing - he’d follow Lavia and soon Joe Aribo at Southampton.”

The Verdict: An exciting prospect

Southampton recently confirmed the appointment of Joe Shields as the club's new head of senior recruitment.

He spent the last nine years in an academy role at City, a factor which could have a significant role in the Saints' pursuit of Kabore.

The 27-cap Burkina Faso international, who was named as the Best Young Player at the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of this year, averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.5 dribbles per game in Ligue 1 last term (via WhoScored), highlighting his ability to defend and also a desire to get forward along the flank.

A highly talented prospect who appears to have bags of potential, Kabore would surely be a fantastic addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad and could be following in the footsteps of Joe Aribo as the next summer signing to arrive at St Mary’s, with the Nigeria international looking set to join from Rangers.