Southampton have reportedly been joined by a number of clubs in the pursuit of Royal Antwerp midfielder Mandela Keita.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Belgian Pro League last term for Antwerp, making 29 league appearances, with 25 of those coming from the start.
A defensively-minded midfielder, Keita is renowned for his ability to protect the backline from the base of the engine room for Jonas De Roeck's troops.
The youngster commenced his professional career at OH Leuven in 2021, appearing on 40 occasions for the club before switching to one of Belgium's elite outfits during the January window of 2023.
Keita also possesses relative international pedigree, being called up for Domenico Tedesco's Belgium squad in October 2023, making his senior debut from the bench versus Austria during a European Championship qualifier.
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Southampton 'joined' by more clubs in race of Keita
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Premier League newcomers Southampton are set to face serious competition for the services of Keita this summer.
The report states that more clubs have started to move for the signature of the Royal Antwerp midfielder, who is featuring for his current employers this season despite speculation around his future.
It is understood that at least one club in Serie A of Italy is keen on the acquisition of Keita ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of August.
As claimed by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri last week, the Saints have seen an initial approach for the 22-year-old rejected by Antwerp.
It is believed that Russell Martin's side offered to take the midfielder on loan for the 2024-25 season with an obligation to buy of €12m (£10.2m).
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Southampton's midfield state of play
After a remarkable loan spell from West Ham United last campaign at St Mary's, Flynn Downes made the permanent switch to the South coast this summer.
With the 25-year-old the undisputed first choice in midfield, Saints boss Martin will be keen to bolster that position with capable deputies.
Royal Antwerp's Keita certainly fits that bill, while also having the potential to blossom into an elite top-flight player over the next few years.
The ideal situation for Southampton would to become a Premier League regular for years to come, with Keita a stalwart on the South coast and at international level with Belgium.
