Southampton striker deal reportedly in jeopardy

Southampton have left their striker search for late in the transfer window, and TalkSport believes talks over their main target may be off. For the last half of the month, the Saints have been rumored to be chasing Napoli star Manolo Gabbiadini. That now looks to be in jeopardy.

The report states that both sides are “locked” in talks about the fee for the player. It was reported that the Saints did not want to pay Napoli as much as the Naples club valued the man a while back, and this looks to be the case here.

The report then goes on to state that Napoli’s very charismatic owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, could pull the plug altogether in one quick action. De Laurentiis has the power to do so and he does not often hesitate in situations when he wants something to be done.

Southampton might be getting a blessing in disguise here. Shane Long has started to play better, and Claude Puel would be wise to give him more of a chance.

He and Rodriguez along with Tadic and Redmond can swap all about and cover for the injured Charlie Austin. They just have to have confidence to do so, and they’ll have it in spades after beating Liverpool last week!