Southampton and Ipswich Town are reportedly interested in signing Rennes midfielder Glen Kamara during the January transfer window.
The Saints are in need of serious reinforcements as they aim to avoid relegation to the Championship following playoff success during the 2023-24 campaign.
Their awful start to the current term cost the job of Russell Martin, with Croatian head coach Ivan Juric now in charge at St Mary's.
The heavy metal fan has struggled to make an immediate impact for Southampton, who have lost back-to-back matches against West Ham United and most recently Crystal Palace to round off the calendar year.
After 19 matches of the top-flight season, Juric's troops are languishing down in 20th position, 10 points behind Wolverhampton Wanderers in the relative safety of 17th.
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Southampton, Ipswich keen on Rennes man Kamara?
According to TBR Football, both Southampton and relegation rivals Ipswich are aiming to bolster their midfield ranks during the January transfer window.
The report claims that the Saints and the Tractor Boys are keen on securing the services of Rennes and Finland enforcer Kamara in the New Year.
Following a managerial change at Rennes, it is understood that the 29-year-old's spot in the first-team plans is under threat, a situation that has peaked the interest of potential suitors.
As well as the pair of Premier League relegation battlers, it is believed that Championship contenders Burnley, Middlesbrough and Sunderland are also considering moves for Kamara.
The 64-time international could be out of Rennes by the time that they return from a small winter break to face Nice at Allianz Riviera on January 3.
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Kamara's British history
Kamara will be a particularly attractive option to the trio of sides mentioned from the Championship, a division in which the player thrived last season.
The Finnish enforcer featured in 40 second-tier matches as Leeds United comfortably secured a playoff spot under Daniel Farke before losing to Southampton in the Wembley final.
The midfielder has never played a Premier League match but can boast experience of turning out for a top English club, playing in a single EFL Cup contest for Arsenal during the 2015-16 campaign.
Carter White
