Neither Southampton nor Wolverhampton Wanderers have really clicked into gear in the summer window yet, but things are heating up at St Mary’s and Molineux, with the two teams vying for a highly sought-after young striker in Europe.

Things have been rather calm at both Southampton and Wolves thus far, but as the summer transfer window progresses, things are starting to build up.

Southampton have made three loan signings permanent, including Daniel Peretz, Cyle Larin, and George Long, while Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin is getting closer to a £9 million plus add-ons move to the South Coast after a successful loan spell with Preston North End.

Wolves, however, announced the signings of Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez on free transfers shortly before Rob Edwards’ departure and subsequent hiring of Cesar Peixoto, while the Old Gold have signed Comoron attacker Rafiki Said from Standard Liege for £7.7 million.

With both teams aiming to make reinforcements in the final third, that notion does not appear to have changed, as Southampton and Wolves prepare to compete for the signing of a young, high-potential striker.

Southampton and Wolves’ offers for Tottenham Hotspur forward Will Lankshear are rebuffed as Sporting CP circle.

With Dobbin on his way to St Mary’s and Said already signed at Molineux, Southampton and Wolves have made it obvious that they intend to improve the last third this summer.

Wolves scored just 27 league goals last season, finishing at the bottom of the Premier League, so it’s not unexpected that Peixoto has identified the forward area as a key position to improve, therefore Jimenez and Said.

Southampton, meanwhile, were only denied promotion by being barred from the play-off final, where they were scheduled to face Hull City, after being found guilty of spying on opponents, despite German head coach Tonda Eckert leading the Saints to a 19-game unbeaten league record before to that point.

Both teams will have slightly different motives for wanting to enhance the final third, but they have found themselves in a bidding war for the services of Tottenham Hotspur teenager Will Lankshear, as reported by football.London’s Alasdair Gold and both Championship clubs have turned down offers for the 21-year-old.

However, they will face competition from Portuguese giants Sporting CP, the same club who helped Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres flare into life, and who have also had a bid rejected by Spurs for Lankshear.

Gold claims that ‘clubs made approaches regarding prospective bids in the eight-figure package range that encompassed either a straight permanent transfer for the forward or a loan move with an obligation to buy, and all of them were turned down by Spurs.’

Spurs may be wary of repeating Troy Parrot’s success at AZ Alkmaar with Lankshear, who scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 44 Championship appearances for relegated Oxford United last season.

Last January, the 21-year-old Englishman had the option of joining Middlesbrough or Ipswich Town, but he chose to stay with Oxford and assist keep the U’s up, something he was unable to achieve despite his best efforts.

Spurs now face a major decision on Lankshear’s future, as if he is not a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans in North London next season, his development is best served elsewhere, but whether that is a loan or a permanent move is unknown at this time.

Spurs are under no obligation to sell the Englishman this summer for anything less than a high fee, therefore a loan agreement with Southampton or Wolves seems the most likely option.

Interest in Lankshear will only grow from here, and after seeing their initial bids for the 21-year-old turned down, whether Southampton and Wolves will return with an improved bid remains to be seen.

Southampton and Wolves are looking to improve their final third after bids for Will Lankshear were rejected.

As Dobbin approaches a move to Southampton, Wolves were also interested in bringing the Villa forward to the Black Country, but their new league rivals beat them to the post.

The Old Gold will be hoping that isn’t the case with Lankshear, who would be a great addition to Peixoto’s team.

Lankshear, who failed on loan at West Bromwich Albion during the 2024/25 season, has risen to prominence as a result of his performances with Oxford and will have his pick of teams this summer.

It is unclear whether he will stay with Spurs, go on loan, or depart permanently, as well as his next prospective destination. However, with Southampton and Wolves lurking, a return to the Championship might be on the cards again.