Southampton are reportedly closing in on the permanent signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
The Saints are on the lookout to replace experienced stopper Fraser Forster, who completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week on a free transfer.
According to Sky Sports News, Southampton have moved quickly to pursue a deal for Bazunu and they are close to agreeing a fee in the region of £11m, which could rise to around £15m in add-ons.
It is thought that the deal suits both parties, with Bazunu keen to test himself as a first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Bazunu is highly regarded by Man City but he is yet to make a senior appearance for the club since joining from Shamrock Rovers in 2019.
The 20-year-old impressed during a loan spell with League One outfit Portsmouth last season, keeping 16 clean sheets in 44 league appearances, which could only be bettered by Wycombe Wanderers' David Stockdale (19) and Plymouth Argyle's Michael Cooper (18).
Bazunu was initially a member of Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland squad but he has now been ruled out of their remaining three Nations League games this month due to a back injury.
Oliver Thomas
