Southampton turn to Chelsea's sister club for defensive help | OneFootball

As per Fabrizio Romano, Southampton has shown interest in Ligue 1 defender Abakar Sylla. The Saints intend to sign him on a loan, with no buy-option included.

What if I tell you that more than one-fourth of Southampton's losses this season came after taking the lead? Surely, you won’t believe it. But, this is indeed the truth.

Even with a stacked defensive roster, the Saints have looked miserable to hold on a lead lately. Thus, despite a few full-back signings, a center-back reinforcement still makes sense.

Thankfully, with a little over a day, Southampton has prioritized a defender signing for boss Ivan Juric.

After completing Albert Gronbaek's signing, the Saints are onto another Ligue 1 prodigy Abakar Sylla. Appreciably, the club has submitted a signing proposal already.

Southampton turn to Chelsea's sister club for defensive help

Recently, Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Southampton's approach, saying: "Southampton submit formal bid to sign Abakar Sylla on loan from Strasbourg. No buy option included, straight loan for 2002 born centre back from BlueCo Group."

So far this season, Sylla has had 15 appearances to his name. Though not a regular starter for Strasbourg, the 22-year-old's physical traits stand out. Being 6'2 tall, Sylla could be an important backup for veteran Saints star Jan Bednarek.

Now, certainly, with the transfer deadline approaching fast, it wouldn't be easy for the Saints to strike off a deal. But, there is a previous network link that could come to Southampton's rescue.

Along with Chelsea, Strasbourg comes under the umbrella of Todd Boehly's owned Blueco. Interestingly, a mere look at the shared history between the Blues and the Saints expresses their relations quite clearly.

Having enjoyed an infamous common defensive pool, including Wayne Bridge, Oriel Romeu, and recently, Romeo Lavia, it wouldn't be too much for the Blues to interfere for Southampton's benefit in the Sylla case.

Shall it happen, Southampton will enjoy a positive end to the winter transfer window.