Southampton ‘in the lead’ for signing – Weekend deadline will be key for transfer

Southampton are one of four clubs to approach VfL Wolfsburg for Josip Brekalo, as per claims from Italy on Thursday.

Last summer, the Croatia international joined Torino on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy that is set at €11m. The attacking midfielder has managed seven goals and three assists in all competitions this season.

His performances for the Serie A side have not only convinced them to retain the 23-year-old but also drawn interest from Southampton and a few other clubs.

According to Tuttosport, the Turin club have until May 15th to exercise the buying option. As it stands, there is ‘99.99%’ chance the player will seal a permanent switch to Torino and it would be a ‘sensational twist’ if there is a different ending.

Torino tried to get a discount, but the German club didn’t encourage this idea. They have ‘said and reiterated a hundred times that they do not want to give even a penny discount.’ That’s because Wolfsburg have received many requests for Brekalo, but only Southampton are mentioned in the report. 

It’s said Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side ‘are in the lead’ and are ‘ready to throw themselves’ for Brekalo, if the Serie A side fail to exercise the €11m option to buy before Sunday’s deadline.

In the event Ivan Jurić’s side end up buying the Croatian, he will be offered a contract until 2026, that will include a net salary of €2m.