Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City and Exeter City are all chasing a deal for Southampton youngster Lewis Payne, as per Football Insider.
Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City and Exeter City are all preparing for another campaign in League One next season.
The Gas finished 15th just a couple of places behind the Grecians in 13th. Lincoln City made a late charge for the top six, but the Imps finished just two points outside the top six.
Southampton got promoted from the Championship back into Premier League via the play-offs. They beat Leeds United at Wembley last month to grab the final spot in the top flight.
Payne, 20, wasn’t part of Southampton’s season last time out. He spent the year on loan at Newport County in League Two.
The young right back made 41 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring twice and assisting five goals.
His stint in the fourth tier has drummed up further interest with now a League One trio of Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City and Exeter City eyeing a loan move for the Englishman this summer.
A solid signing
The 20-year-old is said to be highly rated at the Saints, but he isn’t yet ready for Premier League football and the most natural step up for him next season is in League One.
He needs to keep himself getting consistent first team minutes before stepping up to challenge for a spot in Russell Martin’s plans in the future.
All three of the League One clubs could be good options for him, but one may offer an incentive worth pursuing.
Pushing for promotion
Lincoln City under Michael Skubala looked very dangerous last season.
He took over in November and got his side to within touching distance of the top six. It will be hoped the Imps can once again challenge for promotion and adding Payne to their ranks may be a smart move for both parties.
It would give the youngster a taste of what it’s like to push for promotion at a high level, and being exposed to that environment and pressure would also help him develop and coping with said pressure is an attribute required if he wants to play in the Championship or Premier League one day.
But, as of yet it remains to be seen which clubs is most likely to land Payne and either way a step up to League One is a smart move and one that really should be done this summer.