Saints are being linked with a transfer deal between themselves and Liverpool, but just for once its linking a player leaving Anfield and heading for St Mary's rather than the other way round.
Saints are being linked with Liverpool's 20 year old winger Jordan Ibe who is seemingly surplus to requirements in Jurgen Klopps rebuilding plans for next season.
Ibe played in 43 games in various competitions for Liverpool last season and it was expected that it might be his breakthrough season, although he was no worse than some in Liverpool's squad the feeling was he wasn't quite progressing as it was hoped that he would.
Therefore Liverpool are including Ibe in the list of those they would like to clear the decks of to make way for what they see as a better standard of player or one they see as already of top pedigree.
That could leave the way for Saints with Watford also linked to snatch Ibe for a bargain £4-5 million.
Although it seems that Klopp doesn't rate Ibe it seems Liverpool fans do and think that selling a player at 20 is too early and that if they do sell him it might be a decision they regret.
Liverpool website rushthekop.com said.
"Shockingly Liverpool may listen to offers for a 20 year old winger who accrued 43 appearances in all competitions last season because his campaign was expected to be a break out but wasn’t."
"Hey, let’s all take a breath, step back and remember that JORDON IBE IS JUST 20 YEARS OLD. Yes, Raheem Sterling played brilliantly at that age. But not every single academy graduate should be held up to the standards of someone who was clearly the exception, not the rule."
"Modern football can be absolutely mind boggling. A year ago, he was meant to be Liverpool’s heir to Sterling’s crown, the player that’d be better than him. As if those were fair expectations for a then 19 year old."
Personally I have been impressed by Ibe in the limited appearances I have seen him in, at £4 million he would be a snip, even though he is only 20 he has a lot of experience at Liverpool and at his original club Wycombe as well as Derby on loan.