Saints latest rumoured transfer target is Ecuadorian defender Frikson Erazo, so what do we know about him.
Saints and Ecuador are not two words when put together that equal happy memories for St Mary's long term regulars, they will of course remember Augustin Delgado and that long running saga that saw little time on the pitch for the forward but plenty of newspaper headlines as he seemed to be plagued with not only injuries but people forgetting to wish him a happy birthday, in all that turmoil its easily forgotten that we also purchased a second Ecuadorian to go alongside him and keep him company, the even less used Kleba Chala, so this latest expedition to Ecuador will be viewed with suspicion by many.
So who is Frickson Erazo ? on paper he could be a second piece in the central defensive jigsaw, described as a 6ft 3 defender blessed with not only pace, but quickness in the tackle as well as superb distribution, he sounds too good to be true.
He is currently playing for Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC as well as the national side and having just turned 25 is exaxctly the right age that Saints usually look for, ie experienced but still young enough to attract a sell on fee later.
Reportably he is available for £2.5 million and that is well worth the gamble given the money Saints allegedly have at their disposal, but the big question will be whether he will be able to settle in Southampton, his agent is being reported back in Ecuador as being in talks with his client about what options are on the table for him for a move to other clubs in South America and Europe and an offer from Saints is said to be one of them.
But we will have rivals to our bid, clubs in Mexico and Spain are also believed to have tabled offers and be on his tail, the advantage to us is that we are likely to be able to offer him a better deal than them, the disadvantage is that the player may feel that he would better settle in somewhere like Spain with its links to South America etc, he may also be warned by Delgado not to expect any birthday presents.
All in all though this is the type of player Saints should be looking at, a player in a position we are weak in and one that we can sign for a fee and salary commesirate with his experience and ability, unlike the Wanyama deal where we are being held to ransom by a player whose last two years and reputation have been built up by playing in the best team in one of the most one sided leagues in Europe if not the World.