The opening of the January transfer window may still be almost two months awa, we may not have a manager, but we have our first link of the run in to the madness, with a fight with Middlesbrough for the player predicted.

Media outlet sportswitness.co.uk are claiming that Saints have made an offer for FC Metz’s Cheikh Sabaly.

They say :

"Middlesbrough came close to reaching an agreement for Sabaly’s transfer. It’s unclear why the move didn’t go through.

"Middlesbrough are still interested in the winger. They aren’t alone as Southampton are also keen on securing his services.

"The Senegal international is in his final year of contract and that makes him an attractive target in the market.

"Southampton are said to be in advanced talks and have already outlined their plan for him. It’s claimed the Saints are considering offering a two-year contract with ‘certain guarantees’, without providing any further explanations.

"Sabaly was linked to Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Brentford a few months ago. "

So this one could have some substance or it could be his agent ramping up interest ready for January.

From this perspective the players current value is around £4 million not a great amount for a player who would turn 27 a couple of months after we would potentially sign him in January.

He is somewhat a late starter, he signed for Metz in 2019 and for the first 3 years spent it away from the club on loan in the French lower leagues.

In 2022/23 with Metz in Ligue 2, he broke into their first team and played a major part in their promotion to Ligue 1, the following season they were back in Ligue 2 and he played a major part, scoring 15 goals and 3 assists as they once again went back up to the top flight.

This term he has found it harder with just 2 assists and Metz are again fighting relegation.

Primarily a left winger he also has 8 caps for Senegal, as in January he would be entering the last 6 months of his contract, Saints could potentially get him very cheap.

All Photos Via Reuters