Although there have been reports of the deal being delayed because of an unrelated issue between the players agent and Lazio, it seems the deal is imminent, Arron Sanders takes a look at it.

Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt will reportedly complete a €17m transfer to Southampton this evening.

According to reports in the Italian media this afternoon, they had broken the story of Hoedt bidding farewell to his Lazio teammates on Thursday, the Dutchman’s switch will be finalised shortly.

He is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Saints however will not be elidgible to make his debut against West Ham on Saturday afternoon due to today's midday deadline not being met.

Hoedt's arrival will be a much needed one for Saints with a lack of any real premier league quality in central defence, clear for all too see especially with Virgil Van Dijk still in full strop mood away from the first team picture.

Saints are yet again showing their quality in the transfer market, to get great value deals in what is a highly inflated market this summer.

Hoedt will provide the physical and aerial attributes the current side is currently lacking, with his aerial duels success rate last season standing at an impressive 86.6% he is also known for being very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

His signing will be another positive symbol from the club, building on the news earlier this week that the Gao family had entered into a partnership with Katarina Liebherr by obtaining 80% of the clubs shares thus becoming the new majority owners of the football club.

Things are certainly looking bright for the future of Saints, as the new campaign on the pitch starts to get into the thick of things.

Let's hope the good news keeps on coming with the team picking up their first 3 points of the season on Saturday, the futures bright, the futures red and white.

Photo: Action Images

BaselSaint added 18:17 - Aug 18 Has anyone seen any related activity in or around the club?
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IWOZTHERE added 19:52 - Aug 18 The big 'if' will continue until the window closes. I think VVD should have been sold to strengthen elsewhere, although I support the 'stand' while it goes on.IF he is sold now, without us getting a major attacking M/F player in, I will feel cheated.
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SaintBrock added 21:17 - Aug 18 "with a lack of any real premier league quality in central defence, clear for all too see" That'll be Maya right? Only you then Nick not all ;-)
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montecristo added 21:56 - Aug 18 if the VVD situation continues many more days expect the football authorities including FIFA to be called in it could get really messy.
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Letiss7 added 22:48 - Aug 18 If VVD goes it will be Jack Stephens, and one other. That is unless we play three at the back, then it will be two others. Jack Stephens is the real deal.
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BuyEastleighFC4aBtea added 01:12 - Aug 19 Well said, Letiss7, Grados needs to be moved on as he's been here too long not to of made his mark beside the injury he had last season. As Maya I like him and we need a squad but I agree he's a bit on slow side and he is one who will make the mistake and his age means he won't improve.
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petedoors1 added 19:22 - Aug 19 What went wrong with the deal to get defender Wesley Hoedt?
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SaintBrock added 21:54 - Aug 19 Well, Stephens didn't impress today that's for sure and if we don't get Hoedt in and vD back from solitary we really are up the brown slimy creek. Way past time for complacency.
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