da jogodeouro： Ralph Hasenhuttl has played down rumours which suggested that Southampton are interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Thomas Delaney this summer.
The Lowdown: Saints eye Delaney
da poker： Last Tuesday, ESPN reported (Live Transfer Blog, 09.27) that the Saints were interested in signing Denmark international Delaney this summer.
The 29-year-old has one more year left on his contract with Dortmund (Transfermarkt), and it seems Die Schwarzgelben would be willing to part ways with Delaney for a fee in the region of €10m (£8.6m).
The Latest: Hasenhuttl responds
Speaking prior to the Saints’ final match of the season against West Ham, Hasenhuttl responded to the speculation. He said (via Hampshire Live):
“It is not our most urgent position to strengthen.
“Stuart [Armstrong] played as a number six in the last few games, so now we have four number sixes, if you want.”
“They can then play as a six at times. But that position is not the position where we are definitely looking to sign somebody.
“We are looking at full-backs, wingers and other players. We are sure that there are some coming in the summer.”
The Verdict: Top signing
Although Delaney has had to play a bit-part role for Dortmund across the past two terms due to injury and selection choices – he has made just 31 Bundesliga appearances during that time – he is a player who would bring plenty to St. Mary’s.
He has made 86 appearances for BVB, with 16 of those coming in the Champions League, while he also has 52 caps for Denmark and has played at a World Cup. Earlier this term, he was called “outstanding” by Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc (via bvbbuzz.com).
Given he is valued at £15.75m (Transfermarkt), €10m (£8.6m) would be a more than acceptable fee, and at 29 years of age, he still has good few years left in him at the highest level. While he may not be a priority for Hasenhuttl, he is definitely one to consider.
In other news, Hasenhuttl has revealed talks for this 87-goal man.