Southampton are set to miss out on Ryan Fredericks, with West Ham in talks to sign the Fulham star.
Sky Sports have reported that Crystal Palace were also interested in the out-of-contract right-back, but the Hammers are leading the Eagles and the Saints in the race for his signature.
Fredericks was a huge part of Fulham’s successful campaign, as they secured promotion back to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the play-off final at Wembley last weekend.
It has also been reported that the Cottagers have been in contract talks with the 25-year-old since November, but no deal has been agreed thus far.
With Jeremy Pied’s contract expiring at the end of next month, Southampton will be looking for another right-back, with current first-choice Cedric Soares’ future at the club in the balance.
But even if the Portuguese international does opt to stay on the South Coast, Saints will still need a back-up or at least competition for Cedric.
