Southampton prioritise new striker as they close in on £10m Joe Aribo deal

Southampton are prioritising both a new striker and completing negotiations for Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo after agreeing to sign Romeo Lavia from Manchester City.

For what is their first transfer window under a new ownership and recruitment structure, Southampton have already been active this summer by recruiting goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis, as well as defender Armel Bella-Kotchap, before reinforcing their midfield.

The Lavia deal could rise to as much as £15 million, with Southampton continuing the policy that saw them sign Tino Livramento last year by pinpointing emerging talent from the academies of leading clubs where first-team opportunity may be limited.

Lavia is only 18 and, as with Livramento and Chelsea, the deal will include a buy-back option for City. The holding midfielder has been assured that there will be opportunities under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl despite competition in the centre of the park from Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse and Ibrahima Diallo.

“My Manchester City journey has come to an end," Lavia posted on social media. “I've developed into an even better player, person and it was also an honour to make my debut for this massive club."

Aribo, 25, has a release clause at Rangers of around £10 million and his arrival remains the subject of negotiations between the two clubs.

He played virtually every game for Rangers last season, where he provided a considerable midfield goal threat with 19 goals and assists from his 57 appearances. Normally a central or attacking midfielder, Aribo can also function as a striker.

Southampton, though, were well aware of their need to also strengthen with a more specialist recruit in that area. Shane Long has left after his contract expired and the club struggled last season to individually replace Danny Ings, with Adam Armstrong, Che Adams, Nathan Redmond, Theo Walcott and Long scoring only 18 goals between them.

Armando Broja was the top scorer among the strikers with nine but his loan spell from Chelsea is now up.