According to his agent Saints are about to sign Dynel Simeu from Chelsea on a free transfer after the 19 year old became the latest Chelsea academy player to want out of Stamford Bridge due to his first team opportunities being blocked by the big name signings.
Dynel Simeu has turned down a new contract at Chelsea and is now set to join Saints as a free agent, there is of course a development fee payable but the two clubs have agreed on £1.5 million plus add ons for appearances etc as well as a sell on clause according to the sources on the internet.
So who is Dynel Simeu ?
He is a 19 year old right sided central defender who although born in Cameroon was apparently based in Southampton as youngster before being spotted by Chelsea at the age of 13.
By season 19/20 he was a mainstay of the U18 squad and also in the development/academy squad, last season he was made captain of that squad who ended 20/21 in 2nd place behind Manchester City in the division where Saints ended up bottom.
He has yet to make a first team appearance at Chelsea, but he like many other players in the system have become disillusioned with a lack of opportunity at Stamford Bridge and although offered a new contract he turned it down to seek a club where he had a chance of a first team place.
Able to play on both sides of the centre of defence he is seen as a strong leader even at only 19.
For Saints it is a good opportunity, whilst Simeu might not be quite ready to slot into the Saints defence, he is undoubtedly near to the point where he is up to making his debut and perhaps making himself first choice in Ralph hasenhuttl's plans.
For the money it is a punt worth taking as Saints look to make sure they have adequate cover in the centre of defence and Ralph may feel he can let Jannik Vestergaard depart with Salisu and Jan Bednarek forming the choice pairing in the centre of defence backed up by Jack Stephens and the incoming Dynel Simeu.