So far this season the only players who have left St Mary's have been those out of contract or who have already agreed loan deals elsewhere for the season, but now comes news of what could be the first permanent move out.

Media reports in Italy are claiming that Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic wants to sign Saints central defender Lyanco, the pair have worked together before at Torino and it is being said that in Corriere dello Sport that Bologna director Giovanni Sartori is ready to open talks with Southampton.

But it also says that the Italian club know that it won't be straightforward, firstly although Saints are a little top heavy at the moment with central defenders, they are low on experience and with Jan Bednarek also tipped to leave, Lyanco could play a major part at St Mary's in the coming season.

When called upon in 2021/22 he in the main did a good job for the team and seemed to learn as he went along with a spirit lacking in some players at St Mary's last term.

There is also the little matter of his wages which will probably be on the high side for Bologna to match, will the Brazilian be willing to take a pay cut to join.

But there is hope for Bologna in that Saints are now wheeling and dealing and these days every player has his price, if the club could get it's money back on Lyanco, somewhere around £7 million would do the trick then there could be a deal to be done as that would give Southampton money in the kitty for a replacement with experience as well as money off the wage bill to do so.

From my perspective I still maintain we lack a true leader in the centre of the defence and that we need to plug that gap, even if it is not a player at the peak of his career and who would give you 38 games a season, we need someone who can command a defence and hold a line, a player that can br brought on late on in games to organise and see out a game in the closing stages.

That player is not currently at St Mary's

Photo: Action Images

highfield49 added 08:49 - Jul 8 Not too many days ago it seemed that Mattias Svanberg was on his way from Bologna so maybe they want Lyanco as part of the deal. That said Svanberg may be surplus to requirements if Aribo is close to signing a deal. I know you'll keep on with your crusade to sign an experienced central defender Nick but, as many posters have frequently pointed out, I can't see the owners paying big wages for a player in physical decline. Closing out games is important but surely that should be the responsibility of the coaching staff and, ultimately, the captain on the pitch.

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WestSussexSaint added 08:58 - Jul 8 As soon as I read it was Bologna that was interested I drew the same view as Highfield in that this was part of a swap deal for Svanberg. Given the state of our attack minded midfield I could see space for Svanberg and Aribo assuming the likes of Walcott Djenepo and possibly Redmond are cut loose. Personally Lyanco did nothing wrong for me when he was on the pitch and got a couple of games under his belt to get up to speed. I do think Lyanco has those leadership qualities in defence although hasn’t really had a chance to cement his place yet. If we do let a CB go I would rather it was Bednarek as he had seemed to check out half way through last season anyway.

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Block8 added 10:03 - Jul 8 Personally I don't think Lyanco is a good defender, his positional sense isn't great, he loses concentration (that is unfortunately in common with our other defenders) and he goes to ground far too easily. I love his enthusiasm but that isn't enough for me. Other opinions may well differ, which is what this site is all about. Also if you look at football in general, the player that comes on to steady the ship is nearly always a defensive midfielder and if we look at the signings so far, Romeu could well end up with this job going forward.

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IWOZTHERE added 17:22 - Jul 8 I'll be at the head of any crusade to sign an experienced CB. I have been for 3/4 years. To Highfield.... We've wasted 60/70m on a succession of failures and even now we're still unsure about Salisu? Too old now, but Cahill and Evans moved during that time-frame for next to nothing? There must be other experienced CBs approaching the end of their contracts who could mentor our youngsters on a short term deal?

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underweststand added 06:57 - Jul 9 Agreeing with you has become a habit ( highfield49) perhaps our generation has another perspective on things than many who rant and rave on here so regularly. Whilst Lyanco brought a touch of " individual entertainment " to the side it's hard to see him becoming a Prem. regular whilst the likes of Jack Stephens are still around. His career would benefit from regular game time elsewhere and any potential "swap " with Swanberg doesnt sound so daft either.

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