Southampton have joined the race to sign Inter Milan defender Caner Erkin, according to claims in the Italian media. The Turkey international only joined the Serie A club this summer, with Inter beating Stoke City and Liverpool to the player’s signature.
TMW have revealed via Sky Italia that Southampton are interested in Erkin, following claims he could leave Inter Milan before the transfer deadline. Inter Milan brought in Erkin as a free agent in July, and stand to make a good profit if they can sell him on.
Erkin was signed by Roberto Mancini earlier in the transfer window, but the Italian coach has since left the club. Mancini was replaced by former Ajax coach Frank de Boer, and it seems Erkin isn’t in the long term plans of the Dutchman.
Southampton will face competition from La Liga side Real Betis in their pursuit of the ex Fenerbahce left back, and the next few hours are likely to be decisive in the player’s future.
We covered reports back in March that Stoke City and Liverpool were keen to sign Erkin, but faced a battle with Inter Milan for defender. Erkin ran his contract down with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, and subsequently was available on a free transfer before Inter Milan snapped him up after Euro 2016.
