Southampton have received an update in their pursuit of Reading teenager Andre Garcia.
The Saints are planning for the future in the winter window as they look destined for relegation to the Championship, especially following Saturday afternoon's 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United.
Garcia is said to be on the radar of Southampton after bursting onto the League One scene for Reading at the start of the 2024-25 campaign.
The 17-year-old has featured in 20 third-tier contests for the cash-strapped Royals so far, starting 12 games and totalling 1098 minutes of league football.
Predominantly a full-back, Garcia has the ability to operate anywhere on the left flank, with his versatility a key asset to Reading this campaign.
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"Don't believe everything you read" - Reading manager provides Garcia update
According to reports earlier in the week - via The Reading Chronicle - Southampton are keen on securing the services of Garcia this month.
It is understood the Saints had an initial bid for the youngster rejected, with an improved offer totalling up to £2m set to be tabled in the coming days.
Discussing Southampton's interest in Garcia on Saturday afternoon, Reading head coach Noel Hunt said: "I spoke to Brian Carey [Reading Director of Football]. There's a lot more detail that goes into that [£2m offer].
"The initial start and that, it's all a big factor in that. Don't believe everything you read. There were a couple of calls and there is something behind it but nothing that we feel is the valuation that we think Andre is worth."
Garcia should be back in action for Reading on Tuesday night when they travel to the Midlands to face relegation-threatened Burton Albion.
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Could Garcia make an impact at Southampton?
Targeting 17-year-old players from League One, it is quite clear that Southampton are preparing for life back in the rough and tumble of the Championship.
It is hard to argue that the Reading prodigy could make a significant impact at St Mary's this term as the Saints scrap for survival.
Earning just six points from 23 top-flight contests so far, Ivan Juric's troops lie 11 points from Leicester City in the relative comfort of 17th position.
Carter White
