Southampton and Leicester Keen on Liverpool’s Ben Doak
Southampton and Leicester City are among the clubs considering a move for Liverpool starlet Ben Doak this summer, according to reports.
Following their relegation from the Premier League in 2023, the Saints spent just one campaign in the second division before they earned promotion back into the top flight. They edged a fiercely contested play-off final against Leeds United at the end of last season to claim their spot.
So far this transfer window, Russell Martin’s side have signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis on a permanent deal from Manchester City following a positive loan spell last term, and they’ve acquired 25-year-old defensive midfielder Flynn Downes from West Ham. Among the other five deals are free transfers for Adam Lallana and left back Charlie Taylor.
Southampton and Leicester Considering Doak The youngster is in need of game time
Southampton are weighing up a move for Doak this transfer window, according to The Athletic. The outlet claims a number of Premier League clubs, which includes the Saints and Championship winners Leicester City, are keen to acquire the winger on loan next season.
Doak, who has been described as ‘electric’ by Nat Phillips, joined Liverpool’s youth set-up from Scottish side Celtic in the summer of 2022, having made two appearances for their senior side. After an impressive season in the Reds’ academy ranks, the 2023/24 campaign was an injury-ravaged spell for the youngster, which significantly limited his game time.
The 18-year-old featured under Jurgen Klopp in the early stages of last season, making a Premier League appearance against Chelsea on the opening day. He made the bench for eight league fixtures thereafter, but he then suffered a lateral meniscus knee injury that required surgery and kept him sidelined for the second half of the campaign.
Elsewhere, Southampton are reportedly closing in on another key summer target. Spanish outlet AS claims the Saints are close to reaching an agreement with Villarreal to sign Ben Brereton Diaz.
The 25-year-old is under contract with the La Liga club until 2027 having joined them from Blackburn Rovers only 12 months ago. It has been claimed a £6.7million fee will be required to sign the winger from Villarreal.
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