When Ralph Hasenhuttl made it clear he wasn’t interested in using Cédric Soares going forward this season, there was always going to be some interest in the Portuguese defender.
Inter were the first to take advantage of the situation, and a loan with a view to buy deal was put together, with the Italians capable of making the move permanent at any time for €11m if they so wish.
The problem here was that, as soon as the deal was made official, the Italian newspapers started speculating the Serie A side were never interested in ever triggering the clause.
This train of thought has continued ever since, and now Corriere dello Sport explain it will be ‘difficult’ for Inter to give Southampton the money they want for the defender, preferring to make a move for Matteo Darmian instead.
The Manchester United defender has been a long-term target for the Italians, and his situation at Old Trafford makes a summer exit very likely.
That, and he’s a bit more versatile than Cedric, able to cover anywhere along the backline if needed.
It seems the Portugal international will be returning to St Mary’s in June, meaning Southampton will have to offer him around once more.
