Southampton and Watford reportedly in Championship ‘race’ for Benfica forward loan
SAINTS are reportedly among a handful of Championship sides in the race to sign Benfica forward Tiago Gouveia on a season-long loan.
Gouveia, 22, is a Portuguese under-21 international who scored five goals and provided a further five assists in his debut season in Portugal’s top flight last campaign.
The winger spent the season on loan from Benfica at GD Estoril Praia, who finished 14th in the 18-team division and secured their status for another year.
Gouveia has already made his debut for Benfica’s senior side, assisting in a 2-0 win over Pacos Ferreira in his second appearance and first start, on the final day of the 2021-22 season.
The five-foot 10-inch ace is still likely to be behind Benfica’s options in the pecking order and Gouveia could seek another loan for development.
The Telegraph report that Saints, Hull City, Watford and West Brom are among the teams in the race to sign the youngster for the campaign.
However, Saints manager Russell Martin has already admitted his squad is too large and exits will have to come before additions in certain positions.
Saints are in the market to improve their team and with the likely exits of James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia, money will be no issue.
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Southampton Set To Have Short Wait To Complete Deal For Target
Southampton are not expecting to have the loan deal for West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes done until the start of next week, according to the Daily Echo.
Downes, 24, joined the Hammers from Swansea City last year and has so far featured sporadically for the London outfit.
He has drawn interest from Southampton this summer and David Moyes’ side are also keen on letting the midfielder go on a temporary basis.
Downes is now on the verge of joining Russell Martin’s side on a season-long loan deal.
However, it is claimed that the Saints are not expecting to conclude the loan deal until the start of next week for now.
The Hammers have recently signed Edson Alvarez and are all set to secure the services of James Ward-Prowse.
Downes will have an opportunity to play regularly for Southampton and the deal could contain an option to make the move permanent.
Now it remains to be seen whether Downes will be able to contribute substantially to the Saints’ efforts to secure promotion this season.
