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Hasenhuttl tasks Southampton with overseeing £20m Gibbs-White signing amid Wolves crossroads

Morgan Gibbs-White after a Sheffield United match

Southampton have joined the race to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolves at the request of Ralph Hasenhuttl, according to a report.

Gibbs-White faces a decisive summer for his development as he chooses where to continue his career. He spent the 2021-22 season on loan with Sheffield United in the Championship. With 22 goal contributions from 37 games for them, his spell was a success.

However, after the Blades failed to win promotion to the Premier League, they have likely seen the last of him. But Gibbs-White may have reservations about a reintegration by Wolves.

He has amassed a total of 86 appearances for his parent club. But last time they welcomed him back after a productive stint elsewhere, he did not get the opportunities he hoped for.

Regardless, it is believed that Wolves want him to be part of their squad next season. With Joao Moutinho out of contract and Ruben Neves in demand, there may be an opening for him in midfield.

Yet The Sun are reporting that Wolves face a battle to keep hold of their academy graduate, even though he is under contract until 2024.

Supposedly, Southampton are interested in offering him a different platform in the Premier League. Their interest stems from manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

In fact, the report claims Hasenhuttl has asked Southampton to make a move for Gibbs-White. The club could bid up to £20million for the 22-year-old. A fee towards that region could make him one of their five costliest signings in history.

However, Southampton’s talent spotters feel he would be a worthwhile investment. He has been identified due to his ability to improve even further; it would potentially land them a profit in the long run.

Wolves would also be open to cashing in for a profit this summer, even if they would prefer to give him a new contract and reintegrate him. Therefore, Southampton could try to tempt them.

Gibbs-White would be good Southampton signing

Although potential changes to the Wolves midfield mean Gibbs-White should consider staying at Molineux, Southampton would be an attractive destination.

Their central or attacking midfield ranks currently comprise of James Ward-Prowse (who is attracting interest), Stuart Armstrong and Will Smallbone. Ibrahima Diallo and Oriol Romeu play a bit deeper than Gibbs-White.

Gibbs-White can play as a number 10 or in a central position, meaning wingers like Moussa Djenepo, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Nathan Redmond, Theo Walcott and Nathan Tella could also be kept on their toes.

The Wolves man has the kind of energy Southampton need to inject into their team. By doing so, they could build a squad capable of aiming higher than their 15th-place finish from 2021-22.

Wolves are already more comfortable competing towards and in the top half. But if Gibbs-White does not receive promises, a switch to Southampton could make sense.

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