Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Palmeiras defender Vanderlan during the January transfer window.
The Saints are on the lookout for New Year reinforcements as they fight for survival in the Premier League, a task that was made harder by a Boxing Day defeat to West Ham United.
Vanderlan has benefitted from injuries to other members of the Palmeiras backline this season, playing 35 matches across all competitions, including 25 top-flight contests.
The 22-year-old played a major part for the Brazilian giants in Serie A, with his side finishing second behind champions Botafogo, who also lifted the Copa Libertadores.
Since graduating from the highly-regarded academy of Palmeiras in 2020, Vanderlan has played in 86 competitive games for the club, scoring once.
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Southampton to submit Vanderlan bid in coming days?
According to Brazilian outlet Bolavip, Southampton are targeting a major defensive reinforcement from South America during the January window.
The report claims that the relegation-threatened Saints are seriously considering a move for Palmeiras youngster Vanderlan ahead of the New Year.
It is understood that Ivan Juric's troops could make an official bid for the left-back 'in the coming days' as the mid-season trading point opens.
As well as Premier League strugglers Southampton, top-flight high-flyers Nottingham Forest and Portuguese giants Benfica have also been credited with an interest in the player.
Palmeiras are supposedly keen to offload Vanderlan during the January transfer window, with the Brazilian Serie A runners-up demanding €9.3m (£7.7m) for the defender's services.
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What does this all mean for Walker-Peters?
With Southampton set to move swiftly for the signing of a left-back during the opening stages of the window, the future of Kyle Walker-Peters will undoubtedly receive attention.
The 27-year-old's contract at St Mary's is set to expire at the conclusion of the term, with Premier League clubs reportedly circling around the talent.
Nine points behind 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League standings, Southampton appear destined for the drop, and it is almost unthinkable that Walker-Peters would slog it out in the Championship once again.
Carter White
