Southampton have failed in their attempt to sign Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

Romano himself broke the news earlier on Deadline Day that Southampton had opened talks with Wolfsburg over a deal for the centre-back.

He said it 'could be a huge' move for the Saints, but did caution that it would not be an 'easy' one to pull off.

The player himself was apparently 'keen on the move', but it looks like he's going to be denied his wish.

Southampton are instead poised to sign Duje Caleta-Car from Marseille, with the Croatian undergoing a medical at St Mary's.

The latest

Romano took to Twitter to inform Southampton fans that the 'deal collapsed for Lacroix'.

That's because 'there is no agreement with Wolfsburg' over a suitable package.

The verdict

Lacroix would have been an exciting addition for Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton.

Similar in profile to Mohammed Salisu, he may have been able to thrive in the Saints manager's system.

The Frenchman ranks in the very highest percentile for interceptions and is also in the 85th for pressures, pointing to a capacity to defend on the front foot (via FBRef).

Still only 22, he's generated considerably hype, with the official Bundesliga website likening him to a prime Rio Ferdinand because of his grace in possession.

Now they just have to hope that Caleta-Car proves to be a success, otherwise they could come to regret their failure to land Lacroix.