Southampton set to beat Derby County to Man City transfer swoop | OneFootball

Southampton are set to sign Manchester City striker Divin Mubama on loan after Derby County's interest faded

Southampton have had a quiet summer transfer window so far, but Tonda Eckert's side are close to finally bringing in their second fresh face of the summer.

According to the Daily Echo's Alfie House via X, Southampton are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City striker Divin Mubama on loan for the campaign.

Mubama, 21, spent last campaign out on loan with Stoke City in the Championship, scoring five and assisting once in 26 league games for the Potters, in what was his first experience of regular first-team football in his career.

Now, a move to St Mary's looks to be on the cards, as Southampton seek further reinforcements in the final third.

Southampton are closing in on a deal to sign Divin Mubama on loan from Manchester City amid Derby County interest

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It was first reported by the Daily Mail's Simon Jones of Southampton's interest in Mubama on Sunday, as now a deal for the England youth international has accelerated.

Mubama showed glimpses of his ability during his time on loan with Stoke, scoring the winner on his debut against Derby County, and then in the following game away to Sheffield Wednesday, as well as netting a hat-trick over Bristol City.

That would be about as good as it got for Mubama, who struggled in a poor Potters attack thereafter, whilst an injury sustained against Queens Park Rangers in January limited him to just one more appearance for the club.

It was reported earlier in the window by Pete O'Rourke via X that Derby were closing in on a deal to bring Mubama to Pride Park on loan for the season, but that deal went quiet; now, a move to the Saints is on the cards.

The 21-year-old looks set to follow Lewis Dobbin to St Mary's to become their second new addition of the summer following the former Preston North End loanee's £9 million plus add-ons move earlier on in the window, whilst each of Daniel Peretz, George Long, and Cyle Larin penned permanent deals after their loan spells last campaign.

Why does Southampton want Divin Mubama?

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Southampton are not exactly lacking in forward areas, but despite this, Eckert isn't quite satisfied with his current options.

With Ross Stewart having left the club at the end of his contract, this has left a gap up top, even with the permanent addition of Larin, and is a position that the German head coach seemingly doesn't view the returning loan of Ben Brereton Diaz or Damion Downs as capable of filling.

Elsewhere, Kuryu Matsuki and Cameron Archer can also play that role, but it would appear as though Eckert is seeking more of a physical focal point in that role, with Mubama eyed as the ideal candidate.

With a certain Erling Haaland ahead of him in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, minutes were always going to be an issue for Mubama next season, and though he has impressed in pre-season for the Citizens, a loan switch back to the Championship appears his most likely destination.

Southampton have swooped in as Derby stalled, and now, Saints supporters will be hoping that the England youth international can provide stellar competition up top for Larin, and score the goals to fire them back to the Premier League.

Tonda Eckert is seeking further attacking reinforcements amid links with Manchester City's Divin Mubama

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With the addition of Dobbin already, Eckert will be pleased with how his final third options are looking as the beginning of the Championship season draws closer.

The departure of Stewart would have come as a huge disappointment and shock for Southampton, who had fully expected the Scot to pen a fresh deal on the South Coast before his previous deal expired.

Now, Mubama has been highlighted as his alternative at St Mary's as a deal between Southampton and Manchester City edges closer.

Whether Eckert will be seeking further reinforcements in the final third after Mubama and Dobbin's addition remains to be seen, though Saints will certainly be in a better place with him up top.