da marjack bet： A new nation looks set to be represented in the Premier League as Southampton are readying a move for Luxembourg international Laurent Jans, The Daily Mirror reports.
What’s the word?
da realbet： European chasing Southampton are looking to bolster their side in January with a move for Belgian-based full-back Laurent Jans, with the Saints ready to spend £1m to bring the 24-year-old Luxembourg international to the Premier League.
Impressing with Belgian side Waasland-Beveren this season, Jans has caught the attention of Claude Puel’s Saints who, despite their impressive league position, have been shipping goals too easily and have struggled to score them at the other end.
Jans would help solve one of those issues and he’d give Puel a quality option at right-back, with Jeremy Pied injured and Cuco Martina struggling to find consistent form.
Who is Jans?
At 24-years-old old and boasting 24 caps for European minnows Luxembourg, Laurent Jans is an intriguing option for Southampton to pursue and he would see the Premier League reach 106 representedt nations.
So far, his playing time includes spells in Luxembourg and Belgium, on top of his international career, but Southampton fans may be concerned to hear he had a trial with Dundee United two-years ago that didn’t lead anywhere.
However, two-years is a long time in football and interest in the defender is rising. Having said that, competition from Aston Villa and Huddersfield Town isn’t necessarily a sign of a future star being available. At just £1m though, it’s worth a punt.
What would this mean for Southampton?
The biggest possible result of Southampton signing Laurent Jans would be what it could mean for the future of Cuco Martina who, after scoring a stunning goal against Arsenal on his debut last season, has struggled to make a continued impact in the first-team.
Over the summer, Ronald Koeman was keen to bring the full-back to Everton but a move fell through due to the injury suffered by Pied. In the absence of the French full-back, Martina has featured regularly in the Premier League and the Europa League but hasn’t really impressed.
Martina’s long-term future remains under intense speculation and the potential signing of Jans may well end up being what pushes the defender out the exit door.
What else are Southampton looking to do in January?
On top of the Jans-Martina situation, the Saints are also looking to sign Portuguese veteran Miguel Veloso. The 30-year-old is available on a free transfer next summer when his deal with Genoa ends but the Italian’s could sell for a profit in the New Year.
The main headline-grabbing news could end up being outgoing though, with Southampton fending-off Manchester United’s interest in Virgil Van Dijk, whilst Liverpool are said to also hold interest in the Dutch defender.
Finally, Goal has suggested a move for Yohan Cabaye may be on the cards- which adds up to a potentially busy transfer window for the Saints.
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