Justin Devenny could be Southampton’s new Jack Cork | OneFootball

Southampton are weighing a Jack Cork-style move for Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny, a 22-year-old who could fit their promotion template. According to Sainstmarching.com, Saints have tracked him since early July as a cost-effective option to replace Shea Charles.

Middlesbrough have entered the race and could go as high as £seven million, with Leicester also keen. What began as quiet scouting has become genuine Championship competition.

The blueprint dates to 2011 when Chelsea sold Jack Cork for a reported £750,000. He played all 46 league games as Southampton went up, finishing second to Reading by one point.

Devenny is left-footed and behind better-paid names in a Premier League squad boasting recent medals. He scored one goal last season and was rated 6.40 across 21 Premier League outings, mostly from the bench.

Transfermarkt values him around £10m, yet talk centres nearer £seven million with his contract up next summer. He can also cover left back or the wing.

There are no bids yet, with Leicester linked to around £five million and Boro ready to gazump before Eckert even moves. If Leeds, Fulham or Palace sense Southampton must sell Charles to fund this, his price could drop. Verdict, three out of five, likelihood, two out of five, and history suggests it only turns serious once Southampton start bidding.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”