Southampton’s interest in signing Yari Verschaeren from RSC Anderlecht has been reinforced by a second source this week.
On Thursday, it was reported that Saints had identified the young midfielder as a possible target ahead of the January transfer window.
However, fresh claims from Belgian news outlet Anderlecht Online are rather more affirmative regarding the speculation.
The suggestions from Verschaeren’s homeland indicate that Saints have made signing the recently-capped Belgium international ‘a priority’ in January, with an offer being prepared by the club.
It’s also stated that the 18-year-old is likely to cost around €15 million following his emergence onto the first-team scene at Anderlecht.
Read Southampton’s verdict
It’s interesting to see that the links with Verschaeren are gathering pace. He seems to fit the mould of player that Ralph Hasenhuttl relishes working with, and he’s displayed plenty of potential already.
Verschaeren looked good for Belgium’s Under-21 side at the European Championships in the summer and was handed his senior debut by Roberto Martinez against Scotland earlier this month.
Saints are hardly in need of yet another forward-thinking midfielder, but given the showings of the 18-year-old since he was integrated into the first team at Anderlecht, his stock will only continue to rise.
Whether or not Southampton have €15 million readily available in January also remains to be seen.
However, if the speculation does indeed have substance to it, then it is encouraging, at the very least, to note that Saints appear to be looking in the right places for new recruits.
