Southampton have reportedly made a one-year contract offer for Gary Cahill who is a free agent after being released by Crystal Palace.
According to Football Insider, Premier League side Southampton have made an offer for former Chelsea star Gary Cahill.
The veteran defender is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace at the end of last season. The 35-year-old does not appear to be short of suitors and has also attracted attention from Championship side Bournemouth and Scottish champions Rangers.
Southampton, for their part, are keen to land the player and have offered him a one year deal worth £35,000-a-week. It represents a significant upgrade on the two years, £20,000-a-week deal put forward by Bournemouth.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are interested but cannot match Southampton’s offer due to their premature exit from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. As things stand, the Saints appear to be in the driving seat to land the former English international.
Ralph Hasenuttl’s side is in the market for a new centre-back to replace Jannik Vestergaard, who joined Leicester City’s rivals earlier this summer. The Dane was a regular fixture in the Saints lineup last season and it is imperative that Southampton strengthen their backline.
The loss to Everton on opening day showcased the shortcomings in the squad, and not addressing it could have grave implications throughout the season. Cahill is a vastly experienced customer who is entering the twilight years of his career. A well-travelled player, the 35-year-old had represented Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea and Crystal Palace. He would add much to the Saints side both on and off the field.
Stats wise, both Cahill and Vestergaard put up similar numbers last season, with little to differentiate the pair. Add to it the chance to sign him for a free, and Southampton may be getting themselves a rather shrewd acquisition. He will, however, only be a short term option and will need replacing in the next year or two.
The Englishman is not the only defender on Southampton’s radar. The Saints are also keeping tabs on Fulham’s 23-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo. The youngster will represent better value for Southampton, and they are better off not choosing pensioners.
Cahill may still have a year or two left in him. But whether he can offer Ralph Hasenhuttl what he wants remains to be seen. The Saints have also lost Danny Ings this summer, and a new era could be about to dawn at the club. Who will be brought in to impart the changes remains to be seen.
While Cahill would be a loud voice and someone to look up to in the dressing room, he will be at best a short term option for Southampton on the field. The club is better off bringing in a younger player who can not only serve them for years but also develop and grow in his time at St Mary’s.
