Southampton tried to take Fabio Carvalho on loan back in January, but he opted to join Hull City instead, but Russell Martin has confirmed that he is in talks with the Anfield club.

Fabio Carvalho has long been a thorn in the side of Saints, he does seem to like playing at St Mary's, back in May 2021, in only his 2nd Premier League appearance for Fulham, he scored a superb consolation goal for the visitors who went down 3-1.

Last season after snubbing Southampton to Join Hull City, he arrived at St Mary's in February in their colours and what would turn out to be the winning goal in their 2-1 win.

He would start 20 games for the Tigers, scoring 9 goals and also adding 2 assists.

Used mainly as an attacking midfielder in the centre, he can also play out wide.

The Daily Mirror are amongst those media outlets carrying the story, they claim that Carvalho's future at Anfield is as of yet undecided, Arne Slot is still to make a decision on whether he is ready to push for a first team place or that they loan him out again or sell him permanently.

Saints seem to prefer the latter option and have tabled a bid of £15 million, which has been turned down.

Speaking to Sky Sports Russell martin had this to say:

“He is a player we have liked for a while. We spoke in January but couldn’t get it done for one reason or another. We had a lot of strength in that position. He went and done really well at Hull. We are linked and rumour mill at this time of year is really hot,"

"So we've been linked with a lot of players, some far away from the truth, some very true. He is a player I admire and like, but I'm sure lots of other managers do as well. I don't really have any more information on it now apart from that.

"We'll have to wait and see. I'm on a call this evening with the owners and the chief executive because it never stops in pre-season. We'll discuss the strategy moving forward on every player we're involved with.

"I think we're all agreed and aligned, myself and the ownership group, that we will need some additions to help us out, but we have time. I'm really relaxed about it, we're working hard behind the scenes on that. I love the group of players I'm working with, they give us absolutely everything. I think we're in a good place."

Reports elsewhere claim that Liverpool are not interested in a loan move, Slot has been impressed with him in pre season and might prefer to keep him at Anfield, at least for the start of the season, but the player himself who turns 22 in a few weeks time, will be well aware that Liverpool have a lot of youngsters vying to get into Arne Slots plans for the coming season, his career has stagnated a little since he burst on the scene, he might be the key to whether the move happens or not.

Photo: Action Images

Bowlercow added 10:58 - Aug 5 I liked this guy at Fulham If we get him IMO he will be a top top signing At Hull last season he played the possession game so could fit right in
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highfield49 added 11:34 - Aug 5 It concerns me when Russell Martin says "I love the group of players I'm working with, they give us absolutely everything". My problem with that statement being that, quite clearly, several players have reached a peak of achievement and ongoing verbal and emotional support from the manager will not improve their performance. I believe Gareth Southgate was also over supportive of players who gave everything but were under performing at the top level, we can't afford the same mistake. I think we all know the areas of critical weakness in the team and the manager's judgement shouldn't be clouded by loyalty or sentiment. The indications are that two or three players may still be incoming but surely they must be shoe in starters in critical areas and not additional squad members with potential? Carvalho and O'Riley are both on the wish list, plus a top level goalkeeper, but if none of the rumoured players are signed I can't see how the drive to move up a level can be inspired by simple back patting from the manager.

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