Report: Southampton want £16m-rated Portuguese enforcer Jorge Fernandes

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Southampton are rivalling a pair of Premier League clubs for the signing of defender Jorge Fernandes, according to the Daily Mail.

The centre-back stands at 6ft 4in and has been in fine form for Vitoria Guimaraes during 2020/21.

His standout performances have earned him attention from the Saints, Fulham and Newcastle United.

Vitoria are enjoying a solid season and currently sit fifth in the Portuguese top-flight.

A large amount of that success has been down to Fernandes and his sound performances at the back.

Vitoria landed the youngster for just £720,000 during the summer transfer window but he is now valued at £16 million.

Southampton look to be in the market for another centre-back with Jannik Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu and Jack Stephens the current options.

Plenty of clubs might look towards the Portuguese market, with plenty of clubs struggling financially amid the global pandemic.

Southampton have enjoyed a quality season so far, with Ralph Hasenhuttl leading his team to seventh place.

The Austrian manager will want to ensure his squad is well-stocked ahead of the second half of the season as they go in pursuit of a European place.

TBR View – Fernandes signing looks attractive on paper

Coming from the Portuguese top-flight there will always be an air of intrigue.

The Vitoria star does look like an attractive signing though in the sense that he’d be checking in amid some good form.

After a quality first half of the season in a team that has been winning games, his confidence would be sky high moving to Southampton.

With a plethora of centre-back options at the club, he’d have to work hard to get into the team

He would, however, be a good investment for the future and he could thrive in the Premier League.