Exclusive: Southampton agree to sign attacker for significant fee

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Published on:

29 Jul 2019, 6:45 am

EXCLUSIVE By Wayne Veysey

Southampton have won the race to land Reading sensation Diamond Edwards after agreeing the terms of a deal, Football Insider can reveal.

The Saints have beaten off competition from Roma for the 16-year-old attacking midfielder, who has attracted interest from clubs across Europe this summer.

A Southampton source has told Football Insider that Edwards has accepted a contract offer from the club and they are set to pay a "substantial" compensation figure to Reading.

Edwards has rejected a professional contract from the Championship side as he wants to continue his development at a higher level club.

Southampton have seen off strong competition from Roma for one of the hottest prospects in England.

The Serie A giants had been in pole position to sign Edwards earlier in the window as he was tempted to continue his career abroad.

But the England schoolboy star has been convinced to make the move to St Mary's Stadium under the guidance of Ralph Hasenhuttl, who made such a big impact when he took over midway through last season.

The Saints have an excellent track record of nurturing young talent and Edwards believes the club's youth set-up, which has produced so many established Premier League stars, can provide a genuine pathway to the first team.

In other Southampton news, it can be REVEALED that a north-west club have agreed to sign a Saints star for a seven-figure fee.

Southampton

Reading