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On December 15th, with reports in Spain continuing to say Nico Gaitan could leave Atletico Madrid in January, we suggested the player for Southampton. 

Spanish newspaper AS were saying Gaitan was available for €15m and that looked a reasonable amount for the Saints. There was nothing more in it than that.

It may be coincidental, or it may be all our fault, but since then Southampton have been fully dragged into the transfer rumour.

On January 9th, Marca reported several English clubs are making serious efforts to sign the player this month, with Southampton named among them.

Watford, Everton and West Ham were the other sides named, and Marca said two of the clubs are keen on a loan and two want a permanent transfer… although they didn’t say which.

At that point the transfer fee was put at around €20m.

Friday’s copy of AS reiterates interest from England, ‘especially’ from Southampton. That may be down to English media claims pushing the Saints interest, or Mauricio Pellegrino’s openness about wanting additions in attack this month.

For Gaitan, ‘the Premier League is the destination he wants’ according to AS.