Southampton should forget Elabdellaoui and target Rangers’ Tavernier instead

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Southampton want Olympiakos defender Omar Elabdellaoui to bolster their defence in the Premier League relegation battle, according to the Sun.

They report that Ralph Hasenhuttl is in the hunt for a new right-back after Cedric Soares’ departure to join Inter Milan and sees the Norwegian international as the man who fits the bill.

Elabdellaoui would reportedly cost in the region of £4.5m, has previous experience of playing in England with Hull and has been linked with a switch to Scottish champions Celtic earlier in the transfer window.

But if the Saints want to beef up their options at right-back, it is a player currently playing for the other Old Firm club – Rangers – who should attract their attention.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard said at the weekend that he has been assured by the Saints that they are not interested in his captain, James Tavernier, but he would be a better option than Elabdellaoui.

The former Newcastle defender has a wicked delivery, a great turn of pace and leadership qualities; all of which Southampton should be looking for when buying a new right-back.

Gerrard refused to rule out movement for any of his players before tomorrow’s deadline and Southampton should be looking to change the landscape where Tavernier is concerned.