Southampton reportedly set to sign Jeremi Rodriguez from Las Palmas

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Southampton are closing in on signing Jeremi Rodriguez from Las Palmas’s youth ranks, according to a report from The Sun on Sunday (26/7; page 63).

Ralph Hasenhuttl has guided the Saints to their best Premier League finish in three years with one game remaining this season.

And the Austrian has achieved that while handing a number of exciting young players an opportunity in the first-team.

The likes of Will Smallbone, Jake Vokins and Nathan Tella look set for important roles in the Saints’ plans moving forward.

So it is no surprise to see the club look at strengthening their youth ranks ahead of the summer.

The Sun on Sunday (26/7; page 63) reports that Jeremi Rodriguez is joining from the Spanish second tier side after his contract expired.

The report notes that the 17-year-old left-back is set to cost around £400,000 plus extras.

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Of course, it appears to be too soon to suggest whether the teenager will be able to make the grade at St Mary’s. But the fans may be encouraged by the reports.

The Saints established themselves as one of the best places for young players to develop, particularly during their first few years back in the Premier League.

However, it appeared that they lost their way somewhat in the two years in which they were battling relegation. Understandably, their focus was on staying up rather than keeping the door open for their academy prospects to break into the first-team.

Hasenhuttl however, is a manager who appears to place almost as much emphasis on the long-term goals as he does on the next result.

That has opened the door for the likes of Smallbone and Vokins. And perhaps Rodriguez will also benefit in the coming years as a move reportedly edges closer.