OPINION
Southampton should look for a summer move to sign Joe Hart to add further competition and legs to the St Mary’s goalkeeping corps, as the club struggle for a bonafide number one.
Fraser Forster, 30, endured a torrid season last time out, and according to the Mail, the Saints are now ready to consider offers for the former England international, as they pursue other options.
The same publication (Mailsport) also reports that £120,000-a-week Hart wants to quit Premier League giants Manchester City this summer, as the former England number one has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad.
The Mirror have previously reported that the Saints were one team willing to offer Hart a Premier League lifeline, and Mark Hughes must complete this deal.
Hart, 31, has had an illustrious career to date, and has taken five major honours in Manchester, including two Premier League titles.
Although the former league-winner has not been on his form in recent seasons whilst away on loan, the talent is still there, and a new permanent home could be all that is needed to unlock that pedigree.
The experience brought with Hart will also go a long way as to help in the development of Alex McCarthy, who took the reins as Southampton’s number one towards the end of last season.
Hughes will have good links at Manchester City, and must look to use these to take advantage of Hart’s precarious situation, in which the keeper has one-year left on his deal, but the club wants him out this summer.
Hart wants out, and Hughes must take advantage of this to lure the former England star to St Mary’s.