Southampton FC are at it again. The Saints are pursuing another top youngster, this time in the form of Italian U-21 national team member Marco Benassi. In fact, the Saints have already tendered a £5.7 million bid for the Italian.
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The 20-year old currently plays for Seria A side Torino. The Rome based club finished ninth in the League last season and were once again overshadowed by derby rival Juventus who finished runner-up in the Champions League and won Seria A.
Should the Italian decide to join Southampton next season, he will immediately go from being on a mid-table club to one playing and competing in Europe. Southampton — finishing seventh in the Premier League last season — will be playing in the Europa League this year.
A tweet from an Inter Milan news feed, confirms that Southampton is interested in signing the Italian. Marco Benassi is co-owned by Torino and his former youth club Inter Milan.
GdS: Benassi, 8M Euro offer from Southampton?: La Gazzetta dello Sport have been reporting on the future of ... http://t.co/6AJXKqfouB
— Inter Milan (@intermilan) June 23, 2015
The expected departure of Morgan Schneiderlin has freed up a major hole in the Southampton FC midfield. The Saints have been linked with many midfielders this summer, leading many to believe Ronald Koeman is on the hunt.
With the added pressure of the Europa League next season, Ronald Koeman knows he will need to improve his squad. Adding depth will be important to Southampton’s season. Making three moves already this summer, the Saints have signed Juanmi, Cedric Soares and Maarten Stekelenburg.
Torino will try to resist selling one of their best youngsters. The club has already tried to buyout Inter Milan’s stake in Benassi. However, Torino are not willing to pay the £2.8 million demanded by Inter.
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With the issue between the two not yet resolved, Southampton FC are ready to take advantage. If the Saints can sign Benassi, it could represent the steal of the summer. A talented youngster who has much to offer any club that chooses to play him.
Adding depth has been a main priority for Ronald Koeman this season. The Saints faltered late last season after losing a couple key players to injuries. Without suitable backups, Southampton FC fell from a Champions League place to the final Europa League spot.
If the Saints can manage to find that added skill and depth for the upcoming season, then Southampton could be a club near the top of the league once again. Ronald Koeman will be thrilled should he manage to sign Marco Benassi for such a cheap price.
In fact, this transfer could represent the steal of the summer for Southampton FC. A move that will not only add depth this season, but for years to come as well.