"I can understand" - Exclusive: Don Goodman backs Southampton FC swoop for PL winger | OneFootball

The Saints have re-logged their interest in a previous summer transfer target.

There's an understandable appeal to Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who Southampton are, once again, looking at as a potential summer transfer option, according to Don Goodman.

Crystal Palace's 22-year-old winger received an ungodly amount of attention this time last year, from both first and second tier outfits.

He had never played in the Championship before, his only ever loan spell coming two seasons prior in League One with Charlton Athletic, but it was clear that there was a real talent there given the vast number of clubs who wanted him.

Southampton threw their hat into the mix and looked at signing Rak-Sakyi on a permanent deal, as per Alan Nixon, but it was Sheffield United who landed him temporarily.

Despite the Blades falling short of the automatic promotion spots at the end, Rak-Sakyi could still play a major role in getting Chris Wilder's side back up to the Premier League via the play-offs. No matter the result of their post-season ventures, the winger will return to Selhurst Park as United didn't get any form of buy-option included in the deal that brought him to Bramall Lane.

That leaves him open for a potential move this summer. Southampton are looking to try their hand at getting him on the second time of asking, according to Nixon.

Southampton's Jesurun Rak-Sakyi interest justified

The way that he has performed this season in Southampton's soon-to-be resident league should give the Saints confidence that, if they were to bring him to St Mary's, he would be able to perform. Goodman would like to see him iron out some of the creases in his game, but he can see the upside to Southampton signing the 22-year-old this summer.

"There's no doubt that Rak-Sakyi - a very talented, young player - after a loan spell at Charlton where he did well, it was a question of whether he could step up to the Championship level and have an impact, and he did," the Sky Sports pundit exclusively told Football League World.

"Seven goals and a couple of assists is a pretty decent effort in your debut Championship season.

"I can understand (the interest from Southampton). There was a lack of consistency in his performances, particularly towards the end when he was a little bit in and out of the team, but that will come. He's a young man with a lot of ability, and I'm sure that there will be more clubs than just Southampton linked with him."

Any Jesurun Rak-Sakyi deal could hinge on which manager Southampton appoint

7th April was when the Saints officially got rid of former boss Ivan Juric. They have been linked with a number of coaching candidates since then, including Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl and RC Lens' Will Still. No major developments have been made on this front, though, making life harder for them as the summer window approaches.

If they are going to make a potential marquee signing like Rak-Sakyi, there are two major factors at play that could stall and/or derail any deal. The next boss may not want a player like the Palace winger, or the player himself may not want to play for the next manager.

Until the vacant position in the St Mary's home dugout is filled, it'll be a real struggle for Southampton to make moves for the likes of Rak-Sakyi.