Norwich City transfer news: Southampton chasing Aarons – reports
Southampton are lining up a move for Norwich City right-back Max Aarons should they sell in-demand Tino Livramento, according to reports.
The Canaries full-back is poised to end his long-standing association with the club this summer with sporting director Stuart Webber admitting he needed to leave Norwich in order to progress his career.
Talksport are reporting that Southampton are now ‘favourites’ to secure his signature this summer, having lined up a move should Livramento depart for big-money to Newcastle United as expected.
Russell Martin’s side will be in pursuit of a new recruit at right-back should Livramento leave and Aarons is reportedly an option they are considering.
There is also understood to be Premier League interest in the 23-year-old with West Ham, Fulham and Brentford all linked previously.
Norwich are open to offers for Aarons, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Carrow Road. The Canaries have moved to sign Jack Stacey as his successor in anticipation that he will leave.
Kellen Fisher is expected to deputise for Stacey, with Aarons having sat out of City’s final two pre-season friendlies having rejoined their squad late after winning the European Championships with England U21s earlier this month.
Norwich have stood firm on their valuations of both Aarons and winger Milot Rashica, who is wanted by Galatasaray.
Rashica is believed to want a permanent return to Turkey whilst Aarons admitted earlier this summer that it was the right time to depart City having made over 200 appearances since graduating from the academy in 2018.
City boss David Wagner was asked about both following Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Carrow Road and played a straight bat when discussing their respective futures.
“Both Max and Milot have to catch up with their fitness. They have trained with us and been a part of it. We have to assess it every week,” Wagner told the Pink Un after City’s 2-0 victory over Olympiacos on Saturday.
“We altogether know what the rumours are. They are our players and we will work with them. We will see what the transfer window will bring.”
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Southampton: Swap deal involving Ward-Prowse would be ‘win-win’ at St Mary’s
Losing James Ward-Prowse won’t be ideal for Southampton, but it could be the reality they face.
Southampton may be forced to lose James Ward-Prowse during the summer transfer window, so receiving a replacement in a swap deal could be a smart move, as Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor gives his verdict on one midfielder, speaking to GIVEMESPORT.
The England international could be looking for a quick return to the Premier League after the Saints suffered relegation to the Championship.
Southampton transfer news – Latest
Ward-Prowse has been heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s and there’s a good chance he could depart before the transfer window slams shut in September.
Taylor previously told GIVEMESPORT that he expects Ward-Prowse to leave the club, but he believes the south coast side will receive a significant fee for the midfielder.
As per Sky Sports, Premier League side West Ham United have held positive talks regarding signing Ward-Prowse, with an agreement edging closer according to the report.
The Portsmouth-born midfielder came through the academy at Southampton and has been at the club ever since, so it will undoubtedly be a huge blow to the supporters if he was to depart.
However, after so many years of service, it’s difficult to begrudge the player for looking to play in England’s top flight once again.
Now, it’s all about Southampton finding the right replacement before the Championship season kicks off next month, and involving a West Ham player in a swap deal could solve this problem.
What has Taylor said about Ward-Prowse?
Taylor has suggested that if Southampton can sign Flynn Downes, who was described as ‘incredible’ by Russell Martin, as part of a deal seeing Ward-Prowse go the other way, it could be a smart move.
The journalist adds that Downes has played under Martin before and knows what he demands in his playing style.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “From Southampton’s end, I do think that would be a good move. Flynn Downes, I believe, played under Russell Martin for a bit at Swansea City.
“So, that would be a smart move. He’s a player that knows the Championship well and would fit Southampton’s style of play as a sort of technical midfielder. So yeah, I think that would be a win-win situation if that was to happen, but I’m sceptical as to whether it will.”
What’s next for Southampton?
The Saints may struggle to find a midfielder as committed to the club as Ward-Prowse, but after their relegation, it could be time to go in a different direction.
The Guardian have claimed that Martin is interested in signing Matt Grimes this summer.
Similarly to Downes, Grimes played under Martin during his time at Swansea and shouldn’t take too long to adapt at St Mary’s.
Looking away from the central midfield area, Southampton have been linked with a move for two wingers with experience in the Championship.
Grady Diangana reportedly has admirers at Southampton, whilst Manchester United have reportedly received an approach from the Saints to take Amad Diallo on loan for the next campaign.
