Southampton are considering reigniting their interest in Crystal Palace academy product Jesurun Rak-Sakyi ahead of their return to the Championship.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old is high on the list of targets at St. Mary’s.
Last summer, the Saints failed in their pursuit of Rak-Sakyi after seeing a £12 million bid turned down, and he instead joined Sheffield United on loan.
Leeds had also been interested in Rak-Sakyi, alongside a host of other Championship clubs, and he has retained his highly rated status despite a difficult season.
In what was a mixed spell in Chris Wilder’s side, the winger scored seven goals and provided two assists but started just 23 games across all competitions.
As a result, Brown told Football Insider in October that Palace had considered recalling Rak-Sakyi
from his short-term spell amid their own struggles.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could be on the move again. (Credit: Imago)
Southampton eyes renewed Jesurun Rak-Sakyi swoop
Southampton’s interest in Rak-Sakyi has emerged again as they are prepared to give the winger another shot at the Championship, with a permanent move now on the cards.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the Eagles are prepared to sanction his sale if their asking price is met.
“Southampton are interested in Rak-Sakyi,” he told Football Insider.
“They missed out on signing him last year, but now that they’re dropping down to the Championship, it could be a move they visit again.
“He struggled to make a name for himself at Sheffield United; that would worry me.
“That is probably why Crystal Palace are open to him leaving if their asking price is met.
“Chris Wilder runs a hard-working team who, for a long time, were the favorites to go up.
“If he couldn’t play much of a role or make much of a difference in a side performing like they were, you have to ask questions about why.
“He’s still quite highly rated, particularly at that level, and scouts have been watching him.
“The concerns I have about him, they will also be aware of, and they might decide it’s nothing major.
“The Championship is the level he needs to be playing at, and if they think he would make a difference and help them win promotion, then they will go for him.”
West Ham plot deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale
Much of the talk at Southampton has surrounded outgoing players rather than incoming ones, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale heavily linked with moves away.
Football Insider revealed on 10 June that West Ham could sign Ramsdale on a loan-to-buy deal as they are in the market for a new goalkeeper.
Alphonse Areola remains the club’s number-one shot-stopper as things stand, but there is a feeling the Hammers can improve upon him in the transfer market.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that West Ham are interested in Ramsdale, although they have other priorities they will assess first.
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