Southampton’s interest in Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper could spell the end of Jannik Vestergaard’s career at St. Mary’s.
According to Football Insider, Southampton are keen on a deal to sign Cooper from Millwall in the summer to strengthen their defence.
The report claims that they are set to battle Villa to land him in the upcoming transfer window.
If Southampton are able to sign Cooper ahead of the 2020/21 season it could mean an exit for another centre-back – Vestergaard. The Danish international has been on fringes of the starting XI this season, with 13 starts in 28 Premier League matches for the Saints.
In January, Leicester reportedly made an enquiry for the defender. Southampton were willing to sell Vestergaard, but only if a club met his price tag of over £18m. The club wanted a fee in excess of the £18m they paid Borussia Monchengladbach for his services.
Bringing Cooper in to challenge Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens for their places could negate the need for Vestergaard at the club. He is currently providing that role for Southampton, stepping in when needed and coming off the bench at times. If Cooper joins Southampton and takes over in that respect, it could push Southampton to move Vestergaard on.
It will be interesting to see if Leicester reignite their interest in Vestergaard, with the Foxes on course to finish in a Champions League place this season. With their potential fixture congestion next term, they could be looking for more depth at centre-back and could see Vestergaard as a viable target.
