Southampton and West Brom in transfer tug of war for Millwall-linked French defender | OneFootball

The Baggies and Saints are battling to sign a full-back from the second tier of French football

Southampton and West Bromwich Albion both endured very different campaigns last time around, though even with the Saints having reached the play-off final and the Baggies only just surviving relegation, it would be the latter who enjoyed the better ending to the season.

Indeed, Southampton and West Brom, at one stage last campaign, looked as though they could be playing two divisions apart.

The Saints flew into the top six after an incredible run of form in the latter stages of the year, only to be eventually removed from the play-offs after being found guilty of spying on opponents, putting head coach Tonda Eckert under severe pressure.

The Baggies, on the other hand, were only rescued by the expertise of James Morrison, finishing just one place above the drop, with their fate being a little too close for comfort.

In the end, the two clubs will face each other in the Championship next season, but first, they are set to go head-to-head with one another in the transfer market.

Southampton and West Brom reach agreements with Rodez for defender Nolan Galves

Action images

With Southampton and West Brom set to be renewed acquaintances next season, the pair must first try and get one over the other in the transfer window.

The Saints have made the addition of former Aston Villa forward and former Baggies loanee Lewis Dobbin for around £9 million as their only new arrival thus far, with each of Cyle Larin, Daniel Peretz, and George Long seeing their loan deals become permanent.

Meanwhile, at the Hawthorns, each of Barney Stewart, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Carter Pinnington, and Conor Townsend have arrived through the doors, as Morrison looks to stamp his authority on the squad.

However, neither looks to be done just yet, as, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Talovieri via X, both Southampton and West Brom have reached an agreement with French second-tier side Rodez over the transfer of right-back Nolan Galves.

Galves, 23, has played his entire career in France to date with the likes of Sochaux and Rodez, but looks to be on the cusp of a move to England.

Championship rivals Millwall reportedly submitted a bid for the defender earlier on in the window, but nothing came to fruition for the Lions, who have seemingly turned their attentions elsewhere since.

Talovieri reports that Galves will have the choice of either club, with undisclosed bids having been accepted from both sides for his services.

It remains to be seen what his preference is yet at this stage, but a final decision from the Frenchman is expected sooner rather than later, as Galves looks almost certain to be playing Championship football next season.

Nolan Galves will decide between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion imminently

Action images

Southampton and West Brom are currently locking horns over the signature of Galves, with both clubs likely to be hopeful of beating the other to his services.

Eckert will likely be on the hunt for an alternative to James Bree at right-back, having recalled the defender from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic last January to fill that gap, and has seemingly set his sights on Galves.

West Brom, meanwhile, look to be on the hunt for an alternative to Danny Imray, after his return to the club from Crystal Palace appears to be in doubt.

Galves would come in and provide strong competition at both sides, who will be equally as confident of obtaining his signature in the coming days and weeks.