Southampton are preparing for a manic transfer deadline with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Samuel Edozie and Juan Larios having medicals and a move for Cody Gakpo still up in the air, according to the PA news agency.
The Saints’ approach to the transfer window has been markedly different this summer under the ownership of Sport Republic, which took a majority stake in January.
Gavin Bazunu, Mateusz Lis, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Romeo Lavia, Joe Aribo and Sekou Mara joined on permanent deals this summer and more additions are in the Saints’ sights ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
Maitland-Niles is set to join Arsenal on a season-long loan which includes the option to buy.
The 25-year-old spent the second half of 2021-22 at Roma and the last half of the previous season on loan at West Brom, who he decided to join instead of Saints.
Maitland-Niles is believed to be undergoing a medical at St Mary’s, as are City youngsters Edozie, a 19-year-old winger, and Larios, an 18-year-old left-back, ahead of the permanent moves.
The Saints are also in contention for PSV Eindhoven striker Gakpo. The Holland international attracted interest from Manchester United this summer, with Leeds among other suitors.
There could also be exits as Southampton look to offload the squad’s players.
Aston Villa have expressed interest in Jan Bednarek and Bournemouth are keen on fellow centre-back Jack Stephens, while long-serving midfielder Oriol Romeu could return to Spain to join Girona.
