Southampton are developing an effective strategy in their transfer market activities, and it goes something like this: scout a prodigious young player, use him for a season or two and sell him for a high price to Liverpool.
The next player who could be taking up the red and white jersey before ditching it for just red is Nice youngster Wylan Cyprien.
The France Under 21smidfielder is very highly-rated at his club, whose surprise success story in Ligue 1 has continued to leave them four points clear of Monaco at the top.
Southampton Manager Claude Puel To Raid Former Club Nice For ˜Rising Star' Wylan Cyprien https://t.co/TFVKQkpnOj
His name may sound like a Star Wars character's, but Cyprien has been a star in the conventional sense for Claude Puel's previous club Nice. He has scored five goals this season, including a crucial one in their 2-2 draw with PSG this month.
Puel was at Nice before moving to Southampton in June, so he has a superb working relationship with the club. He will need it, with Atletico Madrid also preparing to swoop for Cyprien. The Spaniards will have much more spending power than the Saints do.
Happy Christmas Mario ï’ª
Balotelli helps move Nice four points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
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Nice's surprise title push continued with a 2-1 win over Dijon on Sunday, so they may need the continued help of Cyprien to keep the belief going. Another man who is currently helping them stay at the summit? Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.