Southampton issue raised in Aston Villa transfer pursuit - he could be "out of our price range" | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on the club's reported interest in Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin.

Southampton are preparing for another season in the Championship after a turbulent end to the previous campaign.

After achieving a fourth-placed finish last season, Southampton booked their place in the play-off final with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Middlesbrough in their semi-final, but they were expelled from the Wembley showpiece as a result of the 'spygate' affair.

While the FA investigation remains ongoing, Saints owner Dragan Solak confirmed last month that head coach Tonda Eckert retains his full support, and he has backed the German in the early stages of the transfer window with the permanent signings of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and striker Cyle Larin after the pair enjoyed successful loan spells at St Mary's last season.

Southampton have also brought goalkeeper George Long back to the club on a full-time basis after his loan stint, and it seems further transfer deals could be on the way, with the Lancashire Evening Post claiming that the South Coast outfit are interested in Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin.

Dobbin spent last season on loan at Preston North End in the Championship, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances for the Lilywhites, and his impressive form at Deepdale appears to have caught the eye of the Saints.

The 23-year-old is believed to be valued at around £9-10 million by Villa, and Southampton are not the only club chasing his signature this summer, with fellow promotion hopefuls Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesbrough also said to be keen.

Southampton urged to strike Lewis Dobbin, Aston Villa transfer deal to solve key issue

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When asked for his thoughts on the potential signing of Dobbin, FLW's Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders, from the YouTube channel FootballMartin_, claimed that the Aston Villa man would be a good addition amid the club's current striker shortage, but he questioned whether the Saints could afford his reported price tag.

"He's a top player and Saints need a striker, so I think it would be an interesting move if we're going to go down that road," Martin told FLW.

"Could he be out of our price range? That will be the question.

"Can Saints go out and buy anyone when they haven't sold anyone yet? The Shea Charles deal is still rumbling on.

"I'm a big fan of Dobbin, I think he's good.

"Saints probably need two strikers in, we definitely need one in.

"Ross Stewart is yet to find a club, he will be a big miss, Cyle Larin is in the door, Cameron Archer is still there, but you would say Saints definitely need a striker.

"We were linked with the other lad that was on loan from Spurs, Alfie Devine, who signed for Preston in the end. It's very quiet down here."

Lewis Dobbin would fit the bill for Southampton after Dragan Solak transfer claim

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Dobbin may not be an out-and-out striker, but he can play in a variety of positions across the forward line, which could make him a real asset for Southampton next season if they were to get a deal over the line.

Solak has revealed that bringing in a new number 10 to support Finn Azaz is one of the Saints' top priorities this summer, and as that is a role Dobbin is more than capable of performing, he could be the ideal addition to help add greater depth in the attacking areas.

After frustrating loan spells with the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City earlier in his career, Dobbin found his feet at Championship level during his stint at Preston last season, and having added more end product to his game at Deepdale, he may now be ready to make the step up to a club with promotion ambitions like Southampton.