Southampton have tabled a bid to sign Bolton midfielder Luca Connell, but it has been rejected by the Championship club, according to Sun journalist Mike McGrath.
The reporter claimed via his personal Twitter account on Thursday morning that Brighton, Burnley and Tottenham are also interested in the 17-year-old, who only made his senior debut for Bolton at the start of the month.
#Southampton have seen a bid rejected for #Bolton youngster Luca Connell this morning. #Brighton and #Burnley interested and #Tottenham tracking his progress
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) January 31, 2019
Connell played in the midfield against Reading on Tuesday night in the Championship, but he can also play on the left-wing or at left-back.
Good move for Southampton?
If Southampton are able to pull off a deal then Connell could be a clever addition.
He definitely won’t be ready to get into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first team but the Saints are good at developing young players and the Republic of Ireland youth international could see his career take off on the south coast.
The 17-year-old has impressed in his three senior appearances for Bolton this season and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it seems like a risk that’s worth taking as a deal could be achieved for next to nothing in the summer.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Bolton have reportedly rejected Southampton’s bid, so it’s hard to see this deal being completed in time for the 11pm transfer deadline on Thursday night.
The Saints could make a bid that sees Connell spend the rest of the season on loan with the Championship club, or they could just wait until his contract expires in the summer and get him cheaper.
Bolton will be under more pressure here than Southampton.
This is Futbol rating 4/10