Saints could face a stiff challenge for the services of one of their targets to replace Morgan Schneiderlin according to the latest media reports.
Saints are one of three Premier league clubs being linked with Vincent Iborra the Sevilla midfielder, the other two allegedly being West Bromwich Albion & West Ham, but a bigger name is set to enter the arena.
Barcelona could be bidding for Iborra if the forthcoming elections for the Presidency of Barca are won by Josep Maria Bartomeu, who has vowed to land his signature if he is re-elected with the Catalan giants in July.
Sevilla manager Unai Emery is desperate to hold on to Iborra, who can play either as an advanced or more restricted central midfielder, hemade 26 appearances for Sevilla last season, ending as the club’s third highest goalscorer.
An accomplished finisher, as well as an effective protector of the back-four, the Spaniard’s ability in both the first and final third could make him the perfect replacement for Schneiderlin. Indeed by the sound of it he has more strings to his bow than the Frenchman.
However, this latest news suggests that Saints could miss out with Barcelona set to enter the fray.