TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has now made a Southampton transfer claim involving electric Lyon forward Tete ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Saints prepare?

Following the 2021/2022 Premier League season's conclusion, all eyes will be on how the Saints can back manager Ralph Hasenhuttl after their tame finish.

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The St. Mary's side won just once in their final 11 top flight matches, perhaps highlighting how much they need to strengthen ahead of next year or suffer the threat of potential relegation.

Hasenhuttl's side finished just a few points off the drop zone with reports suggesting they are looking to bolster their attacking areas.

The Latest: Crook makes Tete claim...

Speaking to GiveMeSport, talkSPORT'S journalist Crook now claims that Southampton will be in the mix to sign Ligue 1 star Tete this summer when his loan spell there comes to an end.

However, they will face competition from the likes of West Ham and Brentford.

He explained: “Tete is definitely someone they were in for before he went to Lyon and I think it’s transpired that it’s only a loan deal because there were complications on the Shakhtar side of the paperwork due to the war in Ukraine.

“They will be sniffing around again, but so are Brentford and so are West Ham, so there’s some big clubs looking at Tete.”

The Verdict: Make a move?

Tete has enjoyed a fantastic spell at Lyon, racking up two goals and five assists over nine French top flight appearances since temporarily signing from Shakhtar Donetsk. The Brazilian is highly-rated with his parent club even once slapping a €150 million (£127m) release clause in his contract, but amid complications with the war in Ukraine, it appears Tete could be on the move again. Still just 22-years-old and in fine form, we believe the Saints should certainly make an effort to stand out above their competitors and possible back Hasenhuttl with his capture. In other news: From Italy: Southampton have now joined the race to sign 'world class' 183-goal forward, find out more here.