---
title: "Southampton join Crystal Palace in race to sign defender"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2017/03/28/southampton-join-crystal-palace-race-sign-defender/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2017-03-28T08:57:49Z"
modified: "2017-03-28T08:57:49Z"
---

# Southampton join Crystal Palace in race to sign defender

Southampton are reportedly set to join Crystal Palace in the race to sign [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/) central defender Mamadou Sakho.

According to a report  from the [Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/03/27/southampton-eye-mamadou-sakho-chelsea-bound-virgil-van-dijks/), the Saints look set to turn their attention towards the French international if Virgil van Dijk moves on in the summer transfer window.

Sakho is currently on loan with Palace and since his arrival in South London, he has made an incredible impact, helping Sam Allardyce’s men in their pursuit to achieve [Premier League](https://readpl.com/) safety.

![Ian Walton/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readcrystalpalace.com/readcrystalpalace/sites/17/2017/03/654807652.jpg)

The Telegraph report claims that [Chelsea](https://readchelsea.com/) are leading the race to sign Saints  captain Van Dijk but will be rivalled by [Manchester City](https://readmancity.com/). The report also states that Nathan Ake could be used by the Blues as a potential makeweight to bring his compatriot van Dijk to Stamford Bridge.

Saints went in for Sakho during the January window but were rebuffed in their efforts to sign him on loan, and were not keen on paying £20 million for him.

The asking price might also be a bit high for Palace but if he continues to impress, Liverpool could well set their stall out by demanding a huge offer.