There are conflicting stories coming out of the media about just who Saints are going to try and sign as the transfer window enters it's final week, but what one will it be and will they succeed or fail on a season changing decision.

The pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale has been in the rumour mill for the past month or so, but with Arsenal seemingly hanging on to the final week of the window in the hope of generating a bit of a bidding war, either for a permanent move or a loan deal, the trail went cold for a while.

Earlier this week sportsview.co.uk reported that none other than Fabrizio Romano, that much respected predictor of transfer rumours was claiming that Southampton were in talks with Feyenoord over Dutch international keeper Justin Bijlow.

But just as Southampton supporters started to get a good feeling about this deal, it now comes out that Saints are preparing an official loan move for Aaron Ramsdale, so the pendulum swings again.

Ideally, the Gunners want to sell Ramsdale permanently or on loan with an obligation to buy. But Saints getting him on loan at the moment, and it remains to be seen if the deal includes the option to buy him next summer.

Wolves have held talks for the goalkeeper and they could provide strong competition in the race to sign Ramsdale.

So it seems that Saints are fighting on two fronts to get a keeper in before the window closes, but are they playing a risky game, the Bijlow deal seems to be a permanent transfer and from that perspective it could be the easiest to get done and dusted and the goalkeeping problem solved.

If they pursue the loan option for Ramsdale and lose out to Wolves, then they could find themselves struggling to get in a keeper in the final days of the window and if they fail to bring one in, then it could have repercussions on our chances of staying up this season.

So a big dilemma for Russell Martin and those tasked with getting a transfer ove the line, do they stick with the pursuit of Bijlow or twist and keep hedging our bets.

Photo: Action Images

deanmiller added 21:21 - Aug 22 It is so obvious we need a keeper, I would be amazed if the board will let the window close without a decent replacement.
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YosemiteSaint added 05:46 - Aug 23 I have long admired Ramsdale. I was thrilled when i saw that Saints were linked with him. He's a very good shot stopper and distributer of the ball—via his throwing, not so much his kicking. Arsenal evidently feel similarly, as they got a "sweeper/keeper" last year, haven't looked back, and have relegated Ramsdale to the bench. If he isn't good on the ball, we'd be taking a risk establishing him in our system. In which case—lemme see some tape on that Dutchman.

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pintsizedsaint added 07:22 - Aug 23 Yosemite Saint hits the nail on the head here! Bijlow is more skilful with ball at his feet, and comfortable under pressure from high press. Like it or not, that’s the style of play RM is after. Ramsdale is a really decent keeper too, but Arsenal felt he’s not as strong with his feet in that sweeper/keeper role. Either keeper will be a really good addition though. Whilst he’s always stepped in to help out Saints, Alex McCarthy is best as a backup GK

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WestSussexSaint added 08:16 - Aug 23 The links with Ramsdale could just be someone linked with Arsenal trying to generate a bidding war to push up the price or force a sale rather than loan position. It doesn’t make sense to be genuinely interested in him if he doesn’t fit the style of play and we have a decent alternative in the Dutch guy. Either way we have to get someone who can play the system better than McCarthy.

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Block8 added 08:27 - Aug 23 Ramsdale for me, Bijlows injury record makes Ross Stewart look super fit!
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SaintPaulVW added 10:12 - Aug 23 Either looks an upgrade. Although £8 million for a season looks crazy money for Ramsdale. Bijlow looks more suited to how we play. Team Bijlow for me.
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highfield49 added 15:04 - Aug 23 If Bijlow is the all round keeper that his record suggests then he should be snapped up asap. However, I wouldn't necessarily agree that 8m a year for Ramsdale is crazy money. If Ramsdale comes on loan and keeps us clear of relegation then it doesn't seem too much to pay.
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DoctorSleep added 11:15 - Aug 24 Just spotted this on the BBC website - maybe RM has used it or should use it https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c2kjn34xx8do
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