Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha ahead of next season, and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad if he makes the move to St Mary's this summer.

According to La Republicca (via Sport Witness), Southampton are keen to sign the 26-year-old as they look to strengthen their options in the goalkeeping position ahead of next season.

Hasenhuttl has rotated between Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster this term and both have had their difficult moments, with McCarthy conceding a large number of goals, the 31-year-old's confidence perhaps shot after the 9-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Forster was solid in the FA Cup and was given his chance to impress in the Premier League, where he has managed just two clean sheets in eight appearances, conceding 11 goals.

The former England international turned 33 earlier this year, and whilst goalkeepers can comfortably play until their late 30s, with former Saints man Kelvin Davis a prime example, you could argue that Hasenhuttl could do with a younger option such as Strakosha in his squad.

It seems likely that Saints outcast Angus Gunn will depart this summer, with Norwich City said to be interested in him ahead of their return to the Premier League, so the south coast club may need to look to the transfer market in order to source a replacement.

Strakosha could certainly prove to be an excellent choice for Southampton, as he has been a solid option for Lazio in Serie A and in European competitions in recent years, so he boasts plenty of experience.

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The Albania international is currently valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, so he may be over Southampton's budget as Hasenhuttl claimed that they would only target players under £10m.

Former Lazio goalkeeper Silvio Proto certainly rates Strakosha highly, as he was full of praise for the stopper back in 2018, saying: "I’ve never seen a strong goalkeeper like him, behind a group with so much quality. The Albanian is young, big physically, explosive … He has everything you need to make a career at the top."

If Southampton were to splash the cash to bring in Strakosha this summer, it could end Hasenhuttl's headache when it comes to choosing between McCarthy and Forster as he would have a definitive number one shot-stopper, so Martin Semmens should definitely consider a move for the 26-year-old Albanian.

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