Southampton FC latest: Carlos Alcaraz, Flynn Downes transfer updates, Simon Grayson words | OneFootball

Southampton are aiming to fight for promotion to the Premier League in the closing stages of the season.

The Saints have fallen behind in the battle for a top two spot in recent weeks, but could still claw their way back into contention with a strong end to the campaign.

Russell Martin’s side is aiming to gain a place back in the top flight at the first time of asking after the club was relegated last year.

A place in the play-offs is all but assured, but their preference would be to avoid the promotion shootout by earning a top two spot.

With just 10 games remaining, the Hampshire outfit will need to be at their best in the run-in in order to overcome two of Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Leicester City.

Southampton…

Carlos Alcaraz transfer update

Carlos Alcaraz is currently on loan at Juventus from Southampton until the end of the season.

The playmaker signed for the Italian giants during the January transfer window, with the Serie A side also negotiating a €49.5 (£42.5) million option to buy clause.

However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are planning to renegotiate the terms of their deal with the Championship club.

While Max Allegri is believed to be a fan of the Argentine, the club has no plans to trigger the £42.5 million clause.

Juventus are hopeful that Southampton will fail to gain promotion, as they are prioritising another loan deal, but they may also be willing to agree to a lower fee.

Flynn Downes priority

Flynn Downes joined Southampton on loan from West Ham last summer, reuniting him with Martin after their time together at Swansea City.

The midfielder has been a positive performer for the Saints, and has played an important role in the squad this season.

According to The Athletic, the Saints are keen on keeping the 25-year-old at St. Mary’s beyond this campaign.

No option to buy clause was agreed as part of the loan deal with the Hammers, but Southampton are planning to open talks over a permanent deal after the season ends.

But it remains to be seen whether the London club would be open to a sale.

Simon Grayson makes promotion claim

Simon Grayson believes Leeds and Ipswich have the edge over Leicester and Southampton in the race for an automatic promotion place.

He has cited the experience of Daniel Farke and Kieran McKenna as a key advantage both clubs hold over their top two rivals going into the run-in.

“[Farke] has that experience of winning promotion to the Premier League but what I have been really more impressed about with him is that he gets what the supporters want and need,” Grayson told FLW.

“That's his experience because he's been around the block, he knows what it's all about and worked some really good clubs where there's a big expectancy level so I think I think he is in a strong position.

“Kieran McKenna has got the experience of being promoted from League One.

“I get that it’s not the same level as getting into the Premier League, but they've got an advantage that nobody expected Ipswich to be in this position as well.

“Anything they do is a real bonus.

“Southampton a little bit in between in terms of they're expected to do it but may not quite this season.

“The biggest ones, obviously, are going to be Leicester because when they were relegated from the Premier League, they still had a very strong squad from the top-flight days.”