Southampton should hijack Leicester City move for ‘special’ talent to upgrade Jack Stephens

Southampton should consider making a move for a player currently being linked with a move to Leicester City who would improve Russell Martin’s defensive options.

Southampton already know they will again be able to call upon centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis next season with the 22-year-old’s loan made permanent alongside promotion.

Even with the signing of Harwood-Bellis, Southampton have just three senior centre-backs currently at the club; Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens the others.

The club have been linked with a move for Peterborough United central defender Ronnie Edwards, but they could improve their backline further by hijacking Ipswich’s move for Jacob Greaves.

Southampton should rival Leicester City for Jacob Greaves

Ipswich pipped Southampton to an automatic promotion spot in the Championship last season as they achieved the feat of consecutive promotions that the Saints themselves managed between 2010 to 2012.

Ipswich have been out of the Premier League for 22 years and are determined to ensure they stay there next season, identifying their defence as a key area to strengthen.

According to The Athletic’s Transfer Deal Sheet, the Tractor Boys have identified Hull City’s Greaves as a player who can help them do just that.

The Athletic report claims Ipswich are ‘interested in signing both Hull City defender Jacob Greaves and Panathaniokos striker Fotis Ioannidis’.

However, Kieran McKenna’s side are ‘yet to formalise approaches for either at this stage’.

The report also suggests that the centre-back is ‘being monitored by a number of clubs’ and Southampton should ensure they are one of those casting an eye over the 23-year-old.

Greaves an upgrade on Southampton captain Jack Stephens

Greaves is a product of Hull’s academy and has racked up an impressive 177 appearances for his hometown club, scoring six and assisting eight despite being a central defender.

Bednarek and Harwood-Bellis were generally Southampton’s best defensive partnership last season, with Stephens missing most of the first half of the season through injury.