According to reports in the Daily Star, Southampton are ready to rival Huddersfield Town in the race to sign £6m-rated Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Daily Star says that Terriers boss David Wagner wants to make the Austria international his 10th summer signing, but he faces stiff competition from new Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrino, who is a big fan of the 29-year-old.

The Daily Star adds that Junuzovic only has a year remaining on his Werder Bremen contract and that the Bundesliga outfit want him to sign a new deal, but the player is keen on a move to the Premier League.

How did Junuzovic do last season?

The 29-year-old was once again an impressive and influential for his team, and he ended the campaign with four goals and 10 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances.

The Austria international showed his versatility by featuring in four different positions for Werder Bremen last term – defensive midfield, central midfield, central attacking midfield and left midfield – and that is another factor as to why he is an attractive proposition for the Premier League duo.

Football Soccer - Republic of Ireland v Austria - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group D - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - June 11, 2017 Republic of Ireland's Glenn Whelan in action with Austria's Zlatko Junuzovic Reuters / Clodagh Kilcoyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Would he be a good signing for Southampton?

He certainly could be, yes.

The Saints struggled for goals last season having scored just 41 in their 38 Premier League matches, and their central midfielders particularly found it difficult to find the net with Oriol Romeu, Steven Davis, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Jordy Clasie scoring just one goal between them in the top flight.

Having scored four last term and 20 in 172 Bundesliga appearances in total, Junuzovic could help improve that record.

The fact that he created 48 chances last season is admirable, while he showed his defensive capabilities too by making 74 interceptions and there is no doubt that he would arrive at St Mary’s with a wealth of experience having also won 55 caps for his country.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, if Saints could sign the 29-year-old for just £6m then it could be seen as a good deal, but the south coast outfit usually buy players that will have a sell-on value and that seems unlikely to be the case with Junuzovic, meaning it could just all be paper talk.

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