I just can’t see a Southampton move for midfielders

Ever since the first discussions came about regards Russell Martin’s move to Southampton there has been plenty of speculation about whether he would return to SA1 after his confirmed departure and take some of the key members of his squad.

The initial discussions were very much about Matt Grimes but in recent weeks the name of Jay Fulton was added to the speculation.

Both of those links were of course before Martin officially departed for Southampton this week and the Swans moved swiftly to appoint Michael Duff as his replacement.

With a new man in quickly one of his first tasks will be to decide how he would want to play any offer from Southampton but this is all on the assumption that offers would be forthcoming.

And that, for me, is where the stumbling block comes in.  I just can’t see Martin returning for at least one of the two players the speculation is on and, if I am perfectly honest I can’t see him coming in for both.

I do completely see and understand the logic as to why he may come in for Grimes.  The need to have an “advocate” in the dressing room would be a great addition for any new manager but there are other factors at play here as well.   The main one is that Grimes has not made any noises that he wants to leave Swansea.   That is, of course, not to suggest that if the right move came along he wouldn’t take the opportunity but Matt Grimes and Swansea works for both parties.   With an additional thought to that which is that Russell Martin knows that as well.

Martin will no doubt be on the hunt for new midfielders when he draws up his list of targets at St Mary’s but for me the name of Grimes will not be on that list.   Wishful thinking or logical thinking?   Who knows!

Then we come to Fulton.  I am filing this one away as not going to happen.  Jay had an excellent season for us last time around.   Arguably his best in a Swansea City shirt and that was under the guidance of Russell Martin.   Given where Fulton was at the start of the Martin reign that is even more remarkable.    But it is a very wide piece of speculation that then links him with a move to Southampton.

Fulton is a decent midfielder and this is not intended to knock him but I cannot see Southampton fans being overly impressed if Martin reveals him as one of their early signings.   As a team just relegated from the Premier League their fans will have bigger expectations than the ability of Fulton can deliver.

It’s a strange call as to why the speculation has become relatively widespread but at the same time there is a level of understanding in it.   Grimes and Fulton have been a key part of the Martin midfield for the past twelve months so there will be some level of assumption that he will want to keep that “team” together.    Not for me though, as the title says I just cannot see it!

Interestingly there has been no real link between the Saints and Joel Piroe – that is one that makes more sense and a distinct possibility?   Sadly!