Saints along with Everton and Watford are reported to be this year off to sunny Spain to sign a centre back from World giants Barcelona.

The three Premier League clubs are said to be battling for the signature of Barcelona’s £23 million-rated centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Spanish sports media outlet Mundo Deportivo.

Everton were being tipped to be in the market for Todibo, in what would be their third raid on the Nou Camp, but Mundo Deportivo, reports that the France youth international is a target for Southampton too.

The player joined Schalke in German on loan in January and is said to have been a revelation before the shutting down of the Bundesliga in March, presuambly he will return to Schalke for the resumption of the German football programme at the weekend, although how long if at all that would be given that his loan deal will be due up before the end of the campaign.

Mundo Deportivo also report that Watford are interested in signing the player.

Like most rumours out of season, this is far from concrete, but with Barcelona in a little financial difficulty, the report also stated that they are keen to raise some funds for the transfer window by selling Todibo, so this rumour could be one where the selling club is trying to let the World know he is for sale and not just his agent.

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