VALENCIA are reportedly negotiating with Saints over the signing of French midfielder Ibrahima Diallo.
The 23-year-old central player has appeared in 45 Premier League matches since arriving at St Mary’s from Stade Brest in 2020.
In both seasons, he has been awarded around 1000 league minutes by boss Ralph Hasenhuttl – but it would be difficult to say he is any closer to breaking into the first XI.
His route could now be made harder with the summer transfer of Manchester City youngster Romeo Lavia, who joins with big promise despite being just 18-years-old.
L’Equipe report Valencia have been in talks over the former French under-21 international, but that Saints want a permanent deal while the Spaniards seek a loan.
Costing more than £10million to acquire from the Ligue 1 side two years ago, Saints would likely not want to lose on their investment in a player which could yet further improve.
Should Diallo, who has gone to Austria with the first-team for the pre-season tour this week, exit Staplewood, it would leave Hasenhuttl with just James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu, Lavia and Will Smallbone.
However, should Lavia have been offered certain rotational assurances as a condition of quitting Man City for the south coast, this could inhibit Diallo’s playing time.
In March this year, reports had linked Diallo to a move – but the Saints midfielder squashed them himself.
“Coming here, I had no certainty. It’s up to me to continue to fight and make my mark,” he said.
“Whatever happens, this competition has made me, and will make me, progress. I do not think of a possible departure. I am fully focused on the end of the season.
“I don’t like to project myself too much. For the moment, I am still very, very far from being able to claim to aim higher.”
However, Lavia’s arrival could change things, should he be usurped by an 18-year-old. Joe Aribo, who joined from Rangers last week, can also operate in midfield.
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