'He is the real deal' - Journalist shares what he's been told about Southampton target

TalkSport’s Alex Crook has issued a positive verdict on Southampton target Gavin Bazunu. 

With the Manchester City goalkeeper closing in on a move for around £10m to Southampton – according to Dan Sheldon and Oliver Kay of The Athletic – praise has started spreading about the shot-stopper, including from Crook.

The TalkSport reporter recently told GiveMeSport: “He’s only 20 years of age, it would have been easy to take the money at Man City and maybe go out on loan again. But he’s backed himself, and people who know a lot more about goalkeeping than me tell me he is the real deal.

“He will be a genuine superstar, which is why Man City are insistent on quite a hefty buy-back option. It’ll be a similar deal to the one Southampton struck with Tino Livramento and Chelsea last summer.”

On loan at Portsmouth last season, the goalkeeper was included in the PFA League One Team of the Season after enjoying a campaign to remember, even if his side only managed to finish 10th in the end.

The disappointing finish was of no fault of Bazunu’s, however, with the goalkeeper seemingly doing enough to earn himself a Premier League move.

TIF Thoughts on Gavin Bazunu…

At 20 years old, Bazunu has the chance next season to become one of the best young goalkeepers in the league should the move go through. With Fraser Forster out of the picture, too, having moved to Tottenham Hotspur, the youngster should find himself in the starting spot.

As per Squawka, the potential new No 1 attempted over double the amount of passes as Forster last season, as well as making more saves both inside and outside of the box. If the stats don’t lie, Southampton could have themselves a significant upgrade should Bazunu sign.

Next season will be as crucial as ever