Southampton ‘to target’ Aston Villa’s Lewis Dobbin after 18 Championship goal involvements | OneFootball

Southampton are pursuing summer reinforcements after chairman Dragan Solak revealed one position would be targeted this summer. With Finn Azaz central to their plans, cover is needed across a 46-game Championship campaign. Azaz produced 19 goal involvements last season.

The Lancashire Post reports that Aston Villa’s Lewis Dobbin, 23, is on the Saints’ radar, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesbrough also interested.

Dobbin hit 10 goals and 8 assists on loan at Preston North End in 2025/26, when the Lilywhites finished 14th. A permanent return to Deepdale is considered unlikely this summer.

He moved to Villa from Everton two years ago and has yet to debut under Unai Emery. Villa, who will play in the 2026/27 Europa League, value him at around £9 to £10 million, a sum Southampton should be able to pay.

Southampton’s last Villa buy was Cameron Archer for £15 million after their 2024 play-off promotion, and he has 11 goals in 76 appearances. Any fresh move from Villa would need to deliver more.

Dobbin can operate across the attack as a winger, second striker or advanced midfielder. With numbers close to Azaz’s last season, he could be a smart addition and, if secured, a marker of promotion intent.

Source: Sainstmarching.com