Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed Southampton tried to sign Timothy Castagne last summer before he made the move to Leicester City instead.

Saints tried to sign Castagne

Castagne made the move from Atalanta to the King Power Stadium last year for a fee of £21.5m (BBC).

Speaking prior to the Saints' clash with the Foxes on Friday, Hasenhuttl revealed his side attempted to capture the 25-year-old but were unable to do so. He told Hampshire Live:

"He was a player we were interested in. He was available and we knew this.

"Although they have lost players like [Riyad] Mahrez or [N'Golo] Kante or [Harry] Maguire, you see that Leicester are still able to bring very good players in,

"We had an eye on [Timothy] Castagne but as soon as they are in the duel, then we have no chance to get him. This is exactly what makes the difference between these two clubs. It is normal."

Shame

Other than a couple of spells on the sidelines through injury (Transfermarkt), Castagne has proven to be an inspired signing for Brendan Rodgers and co. He has managed two assists and four goals in all competitions and has displayed his versatility by playing both at left-back and right-back, as well as in midfield.

It was an ambitious move from the Saints to sign him - after all, he competed in the Champions League last term with Atalanta and will have been wanting to play for a side that harboured ambitions of featuring in that tournament on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the south-coast outfit are unable to offer anything close to that at the moment. However, at least they are looking to capture top talent, it seems.

In other news, Southampton have been dealt this transfer blow.