"Element of concern" - Journalist drops Southampton verdict as Hasenhuttl eyes more new signings

Southampton are ‘not going to pursue’ Chelsea frontman Armando Broja despite having ‘leverage to make a few signings’, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Saints finished the 2021/22 campaign just five points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone, but boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has already been busy in the transfer market as he aims for an improved season.

Broja scored nine goals and contributed a further assist after joining Southampton on a season-long loan last August.

But, according to The Sun, a return to St Mary’s is not on the cards as Saints have pulled out of the running for his signature.

The report suggests Southampton initially looked at exploring a fresh move for Broja, whether it be on loan or a permanent basis, but they have moved onto alternative targets to the 14-cap Albania international.

Premier League rivals West Ham United are preparing to pounce and lining up a £30million bid, while Newcastle United are also understood to be working on a proposal.

Had Southampton headed to Chelsea with a similar offer to the Hammers and had it accepted, they would have comfortably broken their record transfer fee.

Taylor believes Southampton need to bolster their squad as they are otherwise facing up to the prospect of a relegation dogfight in the upcoming season.

However, the journalist understands Broja is not one of the stars who will be heading to the south coast.

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Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “Obviously, if you look at how Southampton finished the season, once again, there’s an element of concern that they need to strengthen because it only takes one bad season to potentially be dragged into it, like Everton were last year.

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