Southampton weighing up free transfer for Fulham ace De Cordova-Reid as Russell Martin draws up three-man shortlist

SOUTHAMPTON are exploring a move for Fulham winger Bobby De Cordova-Reid.

The Jamaica international, 31, is out of contract this summer and could move to St. Mary’s on a free transfer as Russell Martin looks to bolster his attacking line following promotion.

Southampton are plotting a swoop for out of contract winger Bobby De Cordova-ReidRex

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Saints boss Russell Martin is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of their Prem return[/caption]

Fulham are keen to keep the former Cardiff man and have offered a two-year deal to stay at Craven Cottage.

De Cordova-Reid joined the Cottagers from Wales in 2019 and has 32 goals and 18 assists in 209 appearances for the club.

The ex-Bristol City man has 20 Premier League goals in 129 appearances across his spells with both Fulham and Cardiff.

There is still hope in West London that he could agree a new deal, while Willian – who boss Marco Silva is desperate to keep – has also been offered a new one-year deal.

Southampton are also looking into a deal for Chile international Ben Brereton Diaz.

The former Blackburn forward has returned to Villarreal after a productive six months with Sheffield United – scoring six in 14 appearances despite their relegation.

Brereton Diaz, currently at Copa America with Chile, could be available on a loan with an option to buy once more.

Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare has also been discussed as a target, but interest has cooled slightly despite manager Martin being keen on the player.

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O’Hare is available on a free transfer with his Coventry deal expiring at the end of the month.

But De Cordova-Reid is thought to be the preferred option as it stands.

Southampton have already completed two permanent signings.

Saints had an agreement that they would be obligated to buy centre back Taylor Harwood-Bellis for £20m if they went straight back up, which they did.

And a £20m fee was agreed between the two clubs when he moved to the South Coast back in September.

Meanwhile, Adam Lallana, 36, has completed an emotional return to boyhood club Southampton.

The former England midfielder has penned a one-year contract with them after his Brighton deal expired this month.

And talks are ongoing with Scotland’s Che Adams, who has interest from Wolves on a free transfer, regarding a new contract.