Supporters of Southampton will be hoping that this weekend’s matchup with Nottingham Forest, back at home, would provide Russell Martin’s team with the ideal opportunity to record their first three Premier League points of the year.

After an ugly first half against Newcastle United, in which Magpies defender Fabian Schar was controversially given a red card, the South Coast team will have composed themselves by now. Nevertheless, Eddie Howe’s team emerged from the match with a narrow 1-0 victory.With more Premier League games to come, the Saints manager will be considering how to bolster his team, and the recently promoted team is still keeping an eye on this midfielder.

Romano goes on to say that Napoli has now expressed interest in a late deal with the 22-year-old, indicating that the Saints are not the only team interested in him.As Romano reports, the South Coast team has already had a proposal rejected. It is unclear if they would make another attempt to get the much sought-after midfield player.Such a trade might prove to be a masterstroke for the Saints, with FBref’s similar players model even drawing comparisons between the Antwerp gem’s game and Flynn Downes, who has been a revelation for Martin’s men since signing on loan last campaign.Adding another player in his style would undoubtedly bolster Southampton’s centre of attack and provide fierce rivalry for players like Joe Aribo and Will Smallbone.If Keita does join, he would hope to gain the same kind of admiration that Downes now does in his new setting. The Saints are thrilled that the 25-year-old star returned to the team permanently this summer after leaving West Ham United.During difficult moments near the top of the Championship last season, Downes’ composure under pressure certainly benefited Martin’s team. The Southampton number four always seemed at ease when finishing a pass, entering with an average pass accuracy of 93% per second-tier match.

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