Southampton are still looking to improve their squad before the closure of the summer transfer window to help their ambition to win promotion back to the Premier League.
Will Still has been viewed by several Southampton players as a breath of fresh air, as explained by Ryan Fraser, something that the club desperately needed after their disastrous campaign last season, as they almost broke Derby County’s lowest points haul in the Premier League.
Southampton have seen several faces leave the club while others have joined the club, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale having departed for Newcastle United on loan.
While the future of Tyler Dibling remains up in the air despite Will Still explaining how the teenager has been reintegrated into the squad.
However, Southampton have been linked to several players in recent days, including Leo Scienza from Heidenheim, and now they have been linked to an individual from a Championship rival.
Southampton interested in Finn Azaz
The Republic of Ireland international had previously been a target for several Premier League clubs, and Azaz had spoken about his desire to play in the top flight of English football.
As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can confirm reports from the Daily Mail that Southampton are in talks with Middlesbrough over a deal for Finn Azaz.
Bailey said: “Boro are open to a deal for Azaz as they currently have a full squad of 25 players and need to move players on to do their own work on the squad.
Finn Azaz celebrating for Middlesbrough against Hull
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“They have already brought in Dutchman Sontje Hansen to expand their forward options, whilst Sverre Nypan has arrived from Manchester City and Hayden Hackney has not yet been sold.”
It is also understood that talks have accelerated in the last 24 hours. Southampton are also in need of reinforcements with Mateus Fernandes close to West Ham, whilst Tyler Dibling could yet move.
So it is believed that Southampton hope to get the deal concluded by the weekend, with Azaz open to a move to St Mary’s.
Michael Carrick was a huge fan of Finn Azaz
The former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick had been a fan of Finn Azaz before he was removed from the position at the start of this season.
Carrick was incredibly impressed by the attitude from Azaz and his work ethic to improve as a player, as reported by Balls.ie.
He said: “We’ve seen what he’s capable of this season and what he can go on to achieve. The amount he’s produced this season is really impressive.
Finn Azaz arriving to the Riverside for Middlesbrough against Norwich City
Photo by Trevor Wilkinson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“He’s brought variety into his play and has played across different roles as well. He can find that pass, he can find that moment, and he can find that bit of quality to finish. He’s dangerous in those positions. We’ve seen teams recently make a big effort to stop him, and that’s understandable.
“Knowing Finn, he’s probably a little disappointed he hasn’t had even more. It’s a really good sign. He’s got to have patience and belief to keep going. Over the course of the season he’s done terrific.”