Southampton beat Celtic and Rangers to transfer agreement | OneFootball

Southampton are closing in on the signing of Harris Afzal from Queen's Park

Southampton are in the mix for a play-off place this season as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.

Tonda Eckert’s side are hoping to climb into the top six in the Championship after a difficult first half of the term.

The 33-year-old took charge of the Hampshire outfit on an initial interim basis following Will Still’s dismissal in November, but he earned his way into the job permanently off the back of a strong run of form in his first few games.

Southampton appointed the German full-time in December, and he has overseen 20 league games since being put in charge of the first team squad, including 10 wins and five draws.

While the Saints’ focus will be on gaining their place back in the top flight just 12 months after their 20th place finish under Ivan Juric, the club will also have one eye on the summer transfer window.

Promotion to the top flight will have a big impact on their ability to attract first team talent, but the Championship side are already making moves that could have a greater impact in the long-run.

Southampton reach Queen’s Park transfer agreement

It has been reported by the Daily Record that Southampton have agreed a deal with Queen’s Park for the signing of Harris Afzal.

The 16-year-old was attracting interest from both Celtic and Rangers, but the Saints have now stolen a march on the two Scottish giants.

Other clubs in England have also taken a look at Azfal, but the Hampshire outfit have now taken a big step forward in winning the race to his signature.

The left-back has not yet made his senior debut for the Scottish Championship side, but he has featured in recent matchday squads.

The teenager has impressed at underage level, and is close to earning his breakthrough in Sean Crighton’s first team.

It’s understood that Azfal has been on trial with Southampton, with talks now underway with the player to get his move over the line.

It’s been claimed that the defender impressed when given a chance to play, and he is now seen as someone that can go into the academy system.

It remains unclear how much Southampton will pay to secure the player, should he agree to the switch.

Eckert’s side are 11th in the Championship table, and will return to action this evening to face QPR in an 8pm kick-off.

Harris Afzal signing has long-term potential for Southampton

Afzal is not going to make any immediate impact on the Southampton first team squad any time soon, but he has the potential to be a part of the side in the future.

The full-back has impressed at underage level, and the Saints were clearly happy with his performance while on trial.

This is an exciting opportunity for the youngster, and it’s an endorsement of the club that they’ve fended off interest from Celtic and Rangers to make progress on this deal.