As per Hampshire Live, Southampton are interested in signing Joe Worrall this summer from Nottingham Forest.

The Lowdown: Saints need a central defender

Last week, Jannik Vestergaard completed his move to Leicester City from St. Mary's Stadium (lcfc.com).

As such, Ralph Hasenhuttl and co could well do with another centre-back before the transfer window slams shut, especially considering the defensive deficiencies they showed at the weekend against Everton.

The Latest: Saints eye Worrall

As per this latest report, Southampton are interested in signing Worrall. He is said to be valued at up to to £12m by Forest.

Brentford, Burnley, Norwich, Crystal Palace and West Ham are also said to be in pursuit of the 24-year-old former Rangers man.

The Verdict: Worth the money?

Worrall has already made 137 appearances for Forest either side of that loan spell at Ibrox (Transfermartkt), and has been a consistent performer.

During the 2019/20 campaign, he even featured in every single Championship game. During his time at Ibrox, Steven Gerrard even said he could become a future captain, which is high praise indeed from one of the top flight's greatest ever skippers (The Nottingham Post).

The sales of Danny Ings (avfc.co.uk) and Vestergaard mean the Saints should have a bit of money to spend. As such, Worrall would not break the bank, but a seven-figure fee is still substantial.

Given Worrall has not yet played a single minute of Premier League football throughout his career, this feels like a possibly risky investment, but once which could pay off if the defender fulfils the potential that the likes of Gerrard clearly see in him.

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