Analysing the Transfer gossip – 17th June: Part 2: Kaka, Higuain, Lewandowski and more

Southampton have offered £7.6m for Valencia’s Argentina midfielder Ever Banega, 24, and are also set to move for Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 25.

Full story: Daily Mirror

What’s the story? Southampton have already made one impressive signing in Dejan Lovren but Ever Banega would be an amazing coup for them. Banega is a little hit and miss but when he’s on form he is an excellent passing central midfielder and is very good in his defensive work.Does it make sense? Banega certainly does. Putting him with Cork and Schneiderlin would give Saints a top ten calibre midfield. Hooper not so much. Sure he’s quick enough and has scored some goals but they’d be better off moving for someone like Tomer Hemed of Real Mallorca.Is the price right? £7.6m for Banega sounds like an incredible deal. Hooper would be more like £8m which is too much.Will it happen? 8/10: Banega – Pochettino is an Argentine, as is Banega, and Saints could do with some toughness in midfield. They look to be willing to spend money to get quality which is a good mindset. 5/10: Hooper – he doesn’t seem to be the best fit. He’s not as good as Jay Rodriguez who has similar attributes.