Southampton eye Atletico midfielder to replace Wanyama

Southampton are preparing for life without Victor Wanyama and are lining up a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas if he leaves this month, according to The Daily Mirror.

The 22-year-old has also courted interest from Watford who have already had a £6.5m bid rejected by Atletico.

Ronald Koeman’s side are reluctant to let another huge star leave Saint Mary’s but accept with 18 months left on his contract they may be forced to cash in on the Kenyan powerhouse.

Southampton are also interested in Porto midfielder Gianelli Imbula but Thomas, who notched the winner against Levante at the weekend, has emerged as an alternative target and one that would be significantly cheaper.

Thomas has played in 114 minutes spread across five substitute appearances in La Liga this season but has still managed one goal and one assist in that time.

For more stats on Thomas, click here to visit his WhoScored player page