Thomas Partey to Southampton rumours persist

Southampton are understood to be keen on signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey as a replacement for Victor Wanyama, who completed a deal to join Tottenham Hotspur last week.

Mundo Deportivo reported on Thursday that there was significant interest in the Ghana international from across Europe, with clubs from France, Germany, Turkey and England all understood to be monitoring the 23-year-old.

The latest suitors for the powerful midfielder are understood to be Southampton, who see Partey as the ideal man to replace White Hart Lane-bound Wanyama.

Saints have recuperated a reported £11 million for the Kenya international, although it remains to be seen how much it would take for Atleti to consider parting with Partey, who steadily increased his role within Diego Simeone’s plans last season and made a cameo appearance in the Champions League final.

The rumours in the Spanish press have latterly migrated to the British media, with the Mirror also picking up the story.

According to the tabloid, however, Southampton are hoping to tempt Atleti into sending Partey on loan, with the youngster having already enjoyed temporary spells at Mallorca and Almeria.

Southampton, who sold Senegal forward Sadio Mane to Liverpool on Tuesday, further furnishing the coffers, have done business with Atletico in the past—taking Toby Alderweireld on loan in 2014.