Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - May 22, 2022, Chelsea's Ross Barkley celebrates scoring.
Southampton are ‘exploring a deal’ to sign free agent midfielder Ross Barkley after his release from Chelsea, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Saints keep busy..
The Saints, looking to back manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, have completed a plethora of signings and reports suggest they’re on the look out for even more incomings.
Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car has been linked today with claims emerging that more names could join Gavin Bazunu, Sékou Mara, Roméo Lavia, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Joe Aribo and Mateusz Lis as new Southampton players.
Hasenhuttl’s side will be looking to avoid Premier League relegation, and ahead of a congested fixture calendar, they will need all of the bodies they can get before today’s deadline.
The Latest: Southampton in pole…
According to The Daily Mail, there has been a St. Mary’s transfer development involving former Everton and Aston Villa star Barkley.
Following his Chelsea release, it is believed the Saints and Hasenhuttl are now ‘exploring a deal’ to sign the playmaker – even ‘leading the chase’ for his signature as they enter pole position.
Southampton are allegedly looking at a move for Barkley alongside other clubs with Hasenhuttl personally eager to add a new midfielder to his ranks.
The Verdict: Make a move…
Despite his lack of game time, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has held praise for Barkley this year, calling him ‘quality‘, meanwhile former Leeds striker Noel Whelan claims he ‘can be unplayable at times’.
Indeed, he was impressing during his temporary spell at Villa Park, averaging 1.6 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.2 take-ons per game.
Given he would come on a free deal, the move would pose little financial risks and the 28-year-old also possesses plenty of top level experience.
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