Saints made two failed bids for Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto in the summer and according to reports from Brazil, they will be going back for a 3rd try in January and the player is receptive to the move.
sportswitness.co.uk have reported that Southampton are preparing a bid for Brazilian International striker Yuri Alberto in January
They are saying that Saints initially tried to sign Alberto back in January , but his club Corinthians were not willing to let him go at that stage.
They go on to say:
"It’s claimed the Saints also made an offer for Alberto in the summer window. They wanted to sign him on loan [€3m loan fee] with a purchase option set at €18m.
"The Premier League side’s offer was ‘considered good’ by Corinthians, but they still didn’t sanction a move. That’s because they didn’t have enough time to bring in a replacement."
But now they have strengthened the squad, they are said to be open to letting Alberto go in January at the end of the Brazilian season.
Quotes from Brazil say that Alberto is keen to play in the Premier League and that he had this to say.
"I play for one of the biggest teams in the world. I am happy at Corinthians. Today, my life is Corinthians. I play for myself, for my family and for each and every one of this crazy bunch. I have the utmost respect for this fanbase that never tires of supporting us, both in good times and in bad. It is different from anything I have ever seen in my life,” he said.
"There was an offer from England. The board chose to decline. Everything is fine. I’m happy and will continue to be happy. It’s my dream to play in Europe, to compete in the Premier League, but everything has its time, and those who control this know everything. If I’m here today, it’s because there’s something very big for me and for Corinthians.”
Saints will have competition though, the article claims that West Ham have also been monitoring the player who this season has scored 17 goals plus 6 assists in 44 games across all competitions.
He is very much a centre forward in the traditional style, rather than a player who can play out wide as Brereton Diaz, Armstrong and Archer.
Only three months to go before the window reopens and the rumour mill is starting to turn.