Southampton are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer, with an eye on the signing of Crystal Palace’s Justin Deveney.
Saints could be forced to enter the market for a new central midfielder with Shay Charles’ future in doubt amid growing interest from Leeds United, with the Premier League side now making offers.
However, Los Blancos are yet to meet the demands of the Championship club, with Everton recently intruding into the race, which could open the door for a hijacking.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | If Charles leaves, Saints will definitely need to sign a new midfielder this summer. The Northern Irishman was a key player last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 31 appearances in the Championship. |
finances | It is unclear what kind of remuneration Palace want Deveney to receive, but his negotiating position is weak as he only has one year left on his contract. But Southampton are willing to pay £30m for Charles, so Tonda Eckhart should have plenty of money to strengthen his squad. |
insight | Oliver Glasner was full of praise for the 22-year-old, saying: “He is an incredible footballer, very technical. He understands the game, finds space and can score goals.” However, he has yet to make a real name for the Eagles, playing just 789 minutes in the Premier League last season. |
impact | If Southampton cross the line and reach an agreement, they may be able to afford to sanction Charles’ departure. Devennie can also play in an attacking midfield role and could challenge Finn Azaz for the starting spot. |
Southampton eyeing signing of Justin Devenney
According to reporter Alan Nixon (via SaintsExtra), Southampton are keen to sign the Crystal Palace midfielder, who is currently seen as Charles’ direct successor.
However, Preston North End could be in contention to sign him as they are also in the race to sign the 14-cap Northern Ireland international.
Justin Devenney could be a surefire successor to Shay Charles
Southampton have deployed the Northern Irish midfielder in a deep midfield role for much of his time at St Mary’s, with the Palace star flourishing from a defensive perspective.
Last season, the Scottish-born midfielder averaged 2.9 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, the second-highest in the team and ahead of Charles’ average of 2.1 tackles in the Championship.
In fact, his average of 8.2 defensive contributions per 90 games is higher than any other member of Southampton’s squad apart from Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who averages 9.9.
A move to the Championship makes a lot of sense as Devennie has yet to establish himself as a regular starter at Palace, and his defensive attributes mean he could be a solid replacement for Eckert’s star midfielder.
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