Southampton and Wolves facing £10m+ Spurs transfer blow | OneFootball

Southampton and Wolves have seen offers for Spurs striker Will Lankshear rejected and face competition from Sporting CP

Neither Southampton nor Wolverhampton Wanderers have really clicked into gear as yet in the summer window, although things are both beginning to heat up at St Mary's and Molineux, with the two clubs tussling with European competition for a highly coveted young striker.

Things have been relatively quiet at both Southampton and Wolves thus far, but as the summer transfer window rumbles on, things are beginning to pick up speed at both.

Southampton have turned three loan deals into permanent ones, namely Daniel Peretz, Cyle Larin, and George Long, whilst Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin edges closer to a £9 million plus add-ons switch to the South Coast after an excellent loan spell with Preston North End.

Wolves, meanwhile, confirmed the additions of both Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez on free transfers shortly before the dismissal of Rob Edwards and subsequent appointment of Cesar Peixoto, whilst the Old Gold have signed Comoron forward Rafiki Said for £7.7 million from Standard Liege.

With both clubs looking to make some additions in the final third, that notion doesn't appear to have changed, as Southampton and Wolves are set to go toe-to-toe with each other and some strong European competition for the signature of a young, high-potential striker.

Southampton and Wolves see moves for Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear rejected as Sporting CP circle

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With Dobbin on his way to St Mary's and Said already signing on the dotted line at Molineux, Southampton and Wolves have made their intentions of improving the final third clear this summer already.

Wolves scored just 27 league goals last season as they finished rock-bottom of the Premier League, so it's rather unsurprising that Peixoto has outlined the forward area as a priority position to improve, hence Jimenez and Said.

Southampton, meanwhile, were only denied promotion by expulsion from the play-off final, where they were due to take on Hull City, due to being found guilty of spying on opponents, with German head coach Tonda Eckert leading the Saints to a 19-game unbeaten league run up to that point.

Both clubs will have slightly different reasons why they want to improve the final third, but have found themselves in a tussle with one another over the services of Tottenham Hotspur youngster Will Lankshear, as, according to football.london's Alasdair Gold, both Championship clubs have seen offers for the 21-year-old rebuffed.

However, they face competition from Portuguese giants Sporting CP, the same club that helped Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres explode into life, who have also seen an offer rejected by Spurs for Lankshear.

Gold states that 'clubs made approaches about potential offers in the eight-figure package range that involved either a straight permanent transfer for the forward or a loan move with an obligation to buy, and all of them were turned down by Spurs.'

Having seen Troy Parrot excel following his move to AZ Alkmaar, Spurs may be cautious about making a similar mistake with Lankshear, who netted 11 and grabbed four assists in 44 Championship games for a relegated Oxford United last season.

The 21-year-old Englishman had the opportunity to join either Middlesbrough or Ipswich Town last January, but turned those moves down to remain with Oxford and help keep the U's up, which he was unable to do despite his best efforts.

Now, Spurs have a huge decision to make on the future of Lankshear, as should he not be a crucial part of plans under Roberto De Zerbi in North London next season, his development is best served elsewhere, though whether that be a loan move or a permanent one, at this stage, remains to be seen.

Under contract until the summer of 2029, Spurs are under no pressure to sell the Englishman this summer for anything other than a lucrative price, meaning a loan deal for either Southampton or Wolves is the most likely avenue.

Interest in Lankshear will only heat up from here on out, and having seen their initial offers for the 21-year-old rebuffed, whether Southampton and Wolves will return with an improved bid remains to be seen.

Southampton and Wolves eye up improvements in the final third as bids for Will Lankshear have been knocked back

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As Dobbin closes in on a move to Southampton, Wolves were also keen on bringing the Villa forward to the Black Country, but have seen their new league counterparts pip them to the post.

The Old Gold will be keen to ensure that isn't the case with Lankshear, who would be an excellent addition to Peixoto's side.

Having struggled out on loan with West Bromwich Albion during the 2024/25 season, Lankshear has thrust himself into the spotlight for his performances during his stay with Oxford, and will have the pick of the clubs this summer.

Whether he remains with Spurs, leaves on loan, or leaves permanently, remains to be seen, as does his next potential destination. But, with Southampton and Wolves circling, a return to the Championship may very well be on the cards once more.