According to reports on Milannews24 via Sport Witness, Southampton and Everton continue to be linked with Sporting Lisbon defender Ruben Semedo.
What’s the word, then?
Well, this weekend Italian giants AC Milan were linked with a move for the 22-year-old, who has previously been linked with Premier League duo Southampton and Everton.
Saints were said to be keen on the centre-back last summer, but no move came to fruition as Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte both remained at St Mary’s.
The two English clubs continue to regularly send scouts to watch players in Portugal, and it would be no surprise if they were still both interested in Semedo – although the reported release clause of €45m would need to be signifcantly reduced.
How has he done this season?
Semedo started off the campaign as a regular in the starting XI under manager Jorge Jesus, but following two red cards he has found himself on the substitutes’ bench in recent weeks.
That will have raised some concerns from any interested parties who might be looking to take the 22-year-old to a higher league during the summer.
Would he be a starter at Southampton?
It depends.
If Virgil van Dijk does leave St Mary’s this summer then Semedo would probably be his like-for-like replacement – and would therefore find a spot in the starting XI.
However, if Van Dijk stays then it could be more difficult. If Martin Caceres impresses over the next couple of months then the former Barcelona and Juventus man will surely be first choice, meaning first team minutes would again be hard to come by for the Portuguese defender next term.
What about at Everton?
Again, possibly.
With Phil Jagielka seemingly on his way out of Goodison Park at the end of the season and Ashley Williams getting no younger, Ronald Koeman is sure to be looking to strengthen his centre-back options.
Whether he would look for a more experienced head than Semedo’s remains to be seen, but if he has shown Everton scouts that he is good enough, then he will start – similarly to young January signing Ademola Lookman.