Exclusive: Southampton plot swoop for experienced Brighton star despite giving 34y/o new contract

TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal that Southampton is contemplating a move for Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele as Russell Martin wants to bring in a new No 1 ahead of life back in the Premier League.

Former starter Gavin Bazunu’s season was cut short in April, but veteran stopper Alex McCarthy filled in for Southampton in the closing weeks of the previous campaign. After rupturing his Achilles tendon, Republic of Ireland international Bazunu is anticipated to be out until 2025, therefore Martin wants to expand his alternatives for goalkeeping.

On June 25, sources told TEAMtalk that McCarthy was set to sign a new contract with Southampton; three days later, the deal was officially announced.

McCarthy has signed a new contract and put in several excellent performances, but the club still lacks a goalkeeper because of Bazunu’s chronic injury.

Thanks to his impressive performances for Brighton, Steele embodies what Martin is looking for in a keeper: he is a natural with the ball at his feet and skilled at playing out from the back.

The former Middlesbrough and Blackburn keeper and Bart Verbruggen split the starting position at the Amex last season, and TEAMtalk has learned that he may be enticed to leave to take a position as Southampton’s first-choice keeper.

Steele played 23 games across all competitions last season, making 17 starts in the Premier League. Conversely, Verbruggen appeared in 27 games in all competitions.

For Brighton’s upcoming campaign, Verbruggen is anticipated to start at number one for two reasons.

Unlike Steele, who is 33 years old, the former Anderlecht player is 21 years old and just starting out in his career. Verbruggen has also pleased the officials at Brighton by starting each and every game during the Netherlands’ run to the European Championship semifinals, where they will take on England on Wednesday.

By moving up in Brighton’s hierarchy faster than Steele, Southampton hopes to persuade Steele to accept their advances and think about moving to St Mary’s.

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