With the transfer market in full swing and rumours swirling everywhere, one of Ireland's top Championship players Ryan Manning is being tipped to one of the division's biggest clubs.
Manning has spent the last three years at Swansea City where he's amassed 97 appearances, scoring 11 goals in the process. However, it was revealed earlier in 2023 that the now 27-year-old would depart Swansea at the end of the season with the Galway native having little intention of signing a new contract at Swansea.
He kicked off his professional career at Galway United before a move across the water took the defender to QPR. Since then he's enjoyed a short loan spell at Rotherham Utd and most recently a three-year stint at Swansea. However, Manning's success at Swansea has him posed for a much bigger move now.
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Despite 8 years in the Championship, a wealth of experience and a big move on the cards Manning seems to be constantly overlooked for national duty, with the star only earning six senior Irish caps. With other clubs clearly recognising Manning's form and value, Stephen Kenny's decision to overlook the defender has often left fans puzzled.
Ryan Manning seen at Championship Giants training ground
According to GIVEMESPORT source Dean Jones, Southampton who have been relatively quiet in the transfer market since their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship are keen to add free agent Ryan Manning to their squad, with the 27-year-old spotted at Staplewood, Southampton's training ground on Tuesday morning.
With Southampton's incumbent head-coach Russel Martin aiming on taking Southampton back to the Premier League immediately this could be a very lucrative deal for Manning and his career.
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However, the potential move should surprise nobody. Manning and Martin previously paired up in Swansea from 2021-2023 with some of the left-back's most influential moments coming under Martin's management.
With Southampton financially restrained following their Premier League relegation and Martin reportedly keen to bring Swansea players with him, signing Ryan Manning as a free agent could be an extremely beneficial deal for both parties involved.
UPDATE: The transfer was confirmed Wednesday evening.
Ryan Manning is a Saint.
Goodnight 👋 pic.twitter.com/WWAdCHDwbK— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 11, 2023
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