Southampton enter race for Man United defensive target
Published:
Southampton will look to beat the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton to the signing of Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi.
That is according to reports stating that Saints boss Ronald Koeman is to step up his interest in the Holland international after seeing his advances rebuffed in the summer.
Indi, 22, has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the chance to work under for Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal seemingly enticing.
However, United’s interest has cooled and while the Merseyside duo remain keen, Koeman will hope the Oranje link will see his club move into pole position.
Koeman was responsible for bringing Indi through the ranks at Feyenoord and while the player claims to have a “spiritual link” with Van Gaal, Koeman is likely to be next in line.
After losing Dejan Lovren to Liverpool in the summer Southampton were expected to struggle defensively but with just 15 goals conceded so far the St Mary’s club actually boasts the meanest defence in the league.
However, Koeman is leaving nothing to chance as he bids to shake up the Premier League by guiding the south coast club to a top four finish – a feat currently priced at 13/5.
Indi only recently joined Porto, moving from Eredivisie side Feyenoord for £6m in the summer, but such in the interest in his talent that another move appears to be on the horizon.
Next up for Southampton is a trip to Old Trafford that will pit Koeman against Van Gaal in a match that could yet convince Indi where his future lies.
The Saints are billed as the 10/3 underdogs to pick up all three points, with a United win deemed the most likely outcome at 4/5.
The draw can be backed at 13/5 but with Champions League qualification the ultimate aim, both clubs will be going all out for the win.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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