Southampton Transfers: 10 Players To Buy This Summer

5. Cheikhou Kouyate

Pochettino obviously has something of a commitment to adding a big Senagalese centre back to his squad as, on top of Southampton's rumoured interest in Ba, they have also been linked with his international teammate Cheikhou Kouyate. While Ba is a player with promise and would give greater squad depth, Kouyate would be an impressive capture with a proven pedigree. A regular at the heart of the Anderlecht defence, Kouyate was one of the key players as the Brussels club won last year's league title. With Belgian football undergoing something of a renaissance, it is only natural that clubs in Europe's top leagues are starting to take an interest in Belgian competition. Saints have been chasing Kouyate since last summer when Newcastle were reported to be their main rivals. Even with the change in the board room, Southampton's transfer budget is likely comfortably to exceed the Magpies'. However, the defender, who now has a Belgian passport making moves within the EU much easier, has performed well enough to attract strong interest from Arsenal, while Liverpool and Man City have also been suggested as amongst Kouyate's admirers. Judging from remarks made earlier in the year by Kouyate's agent, a move to the Premier League this summer is almost certain. The question is can Southampton get ahead of Champions League clubs in the race for the commanding centre back's signature?