Reports in Portugal have suggested that former Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen could be available on a free transfer from Benfica and that Southampton could be one of the likely destinations.

Jan Vertonghen is 35, but he still played in all but 4 of Benfica's Portuguese League games last season, however this coming season he looks to be destined for a place on the bench most weeks.

Media sources in Portugal are saying that after two solid years service he could well be allowed to leave on a free transfer, Saints are one of the clubs who are being linked, others include Club Brugge in his native Belgium as well as Fc Copenhagen in Denmark.

On the face of it Vertonghen could be just the man that Saints need, an experienced player who has done it at the highest level and even at 35 is still doing it. He is still also in the Belgium squad and has played this year, although he seems to be there now for his experience rather than as a first choice.

But Saints will need to act fast, Club Brugge are said to have sent scouts to Benfica's game against Dinamo Kiev in the Champions League last night and are set to make a move.

I for one would be delighted if he came to St Mary's, although his age is against him, a short term job is what we need at the moment.

Photo: Action Images

Centurion added 21:42 - Aug 18 Just what we need, even if just for a season.
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PatfromPoole added 21:44 - Aug 18 Do the deal, Saints. Just what we need.
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derbydog added 22:51 - Aug 18 Won’t happen. Not in the business plan. No resale value and would block a spot for a player who might.
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Colburn added 23:27 - Aug 18 He lacked pace two years ago, not sure he's the right answer to, or any quicker than Bednarek and Stephens. Maybe for one year he would at least be able to teach Salisu a bit more about that position. He was a solid defender but the only thing that matters is how good he is now. I'll be surprised if we buy another CB but desperate for a full back.
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underweststand added 05:54 - Aug 19 I agree this is totally out of step with Saints' projected plans but unless we are considering bringing Jose Fonte back (still playing in France and in the Portugal squad haha ). Why not ? We have Willie C. in the goalkeeper group and if they are good at coaching younger players , it's worth a try. This season is going to be vital for future development and survival is vital. A clearout of the previous squad and an influx group of promising youngsters - none of whom have played at this level means a lot is going to be left to luck and good refereeing.

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felly1 added 08:31 - Aug 19 If you watch the Total Saints Podcast on Youtube, the guy that reports on Saints for the Athletic said Ralph is desperate to bring in an experienced CB.
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Block8 added 10:03 - Aug 19 It seems to me that what we really lack at the back is experience & positional nous. This also applies to our defensive midfielders, as it's the gaps we leave when attacking on one hand & lack of talking across the back three on others causing our problems! If he can help with this then go for it but perhaps this should be down to coaching?
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redwight added 10:05 - Aug 19 Just what is needed to make Salisu the player he could be.
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IanRC added 11:58 - Aug 19 If we signed him and he kicked someone in the face (as he did Josh Sims), would he be sent off, or like happened then, would he escape any punishment. Hard to believe the refereeing and VAR is impartial isn’t it.
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highfield49 added 13:36 - Aug 19 Agreed that leadership and organisational skills are required at the back but that doesn't necessarily equate to age and experience. There are loads of central defenders close to the end of their contracts, or already free agents, many of them well known but unsuited for our needs. For example, would anyone be excited about re-employing Lovren or Yoshi? Jones, Smalling, Evans, Dawson, Cahill anyone? Nothing against Vertonghen, Otamendi, Ramos, Caceres and more, all experienced and capable but some of whom will be leaders and organisers, but others will be very good followers and team players. Should we just be looking at those with not much left to offer playing wise or maybe the likes of Willy Boly who has height and aggression in the box at both end of the pitch and, for me, a definite upgrade on Lovren and Stephens. If Wolves are willing to let him leave before his contract expires he could provide the toughness and leadership by example we're seeking and, I suspect, a decent amount of organisational talent as well. That said, there will be loads of you thinking, maybe quite rightly, that Boly would be a disaster so in that case you're lucky that I've no influence whatsoever at SFC.

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