Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino is keen on signing Basel’s Argentine centre-back Gaston Sauro, FootballDirectNews.com understands.
The former Boca Juniors defender has come onto Pochettino’s radar in the past, and now looks likely to be available this summer, which could pave the way for the 24-year-old to move to the St Mary’s Stadium. Southampton enjoyed a strong defensive record at the start of the season, though their results have worsened as the campaign has gone on, leading the manager to target new signings in that area for the summer. Sauro has been at Swiss side Basel since 2012, and his fine form for the team has also seen him attract interest from Atletico Madrid, managed by another Argentine in Diego Simeone. It remains to be seen how strong Atletico’s interest is, but Southampton have done well in recent times to beat big clubs to some top-class signings, such as the likes of Victor Wanyama and Pablo Osvaldo, who both signed for the Saints last summer. A club insider confirmed that Southampton and Atletico were looking at Sauro, and that talks over a move could take place in the upcoming summer transfer window. Watch Manchester United v Manchester City Tuesday night.
