When it comes to developing and promoting young players, few clubs are as insistent upon it as Southampton.
The Saints pride themselves on their ability to bring young players through the first team, and it’s something they’re trying to get back to under Ralph Hasenhüttl.
Signing young talent from around Europe will be essential if that is genuinely their aim and it seems one they have their eye on is Ismet Lushaku.
The young striker is impressing for Athletic Eskilstuna, with Eskilstuna-Kuriren explaining that he ‘has been a light in an otherwise dark season’.
There’s no mention of how long they’ve been scouting the 19-year-old midfielder, or whether they’re keen to make a move, just that they’re keeping track of his progress.
However, the newspaper also talked to AFC’s chairman, and he has confirmed an interest is there, although he didn’t say who from.
When pressed on the subject, he said; “I do not want to comment about which clubs are interested. We have agreed between the club not to go out with it.”
The player too has confirmed there is interest in him, saying “it feels both fun and cool to have eyes on me.”
He, like his chairman, doesn’t name Southampton outright but it’s easy to imagine where the newspaper got that name, and this could be one to keep an eye on moving forward.
