The Southern Daily Echo claim that reports suggesting Luciano Vietto was set to become a Southampton player appear are incorrect; the club are in no hurry to sign new players, least of all strikers.
The Atlético Madrid forward, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla, was heavily linked with a move to the Saints, but the club believe that they do not need to strengthen up front, and could be set for an unusually quiet summer.
False storm
Just 48 hours ago, it seemed as if Southampton would be making their second signing of the summer, after Polish defender Jan Bednarek. Reports in Spain suggested that Vietto was a target for the Saints, but this has proven to not be the case.
Despite Southampton selling Jay Rodriguez to West Brom, the return of Sam Gallagher from his season-long-loan at Blackburn will be enough to sufficiently fill the hole left by the 27-year-old's departure, according to the South Coast outfit. As well as Gallagher, the Saints also have Manolo Gabbiadini, Charlie Austin and Shane Long at their disposal.
With new manager Mauricio Pellegrino preferring to play with just a lone front man, it is understandable that the Saints, believing four strikers would be enough for the coming season, overlooked Vietto.
Dodged a bullet?
While sections of the Southampton faithful will undoubtedly be disappointed with the news that Vietto was not on his way, it may be a blessing in disguise.
In his career, Vietto averages around one goal per four games played, meaning he typically scores at best a mere ten goals a season. Clearly, the 23-year-old could not be relied upon to solve the Saints' main problem last season under Claude Puel; finishing.
In addition, the uncapped Argentine has played for three clubs in the last three seasons, all of which were in Spain. It, therefore seems unlikely that he would be able to seamlessly adapt to the English game and find the net on a regular basis, when he was one unable to do that in the more familiar surroundings of La Liga.
Setting the tone
Southampton's non-existent pursuit of Vietto could well be a sign of things to come, or not come, over the summer for Pellegrino's side.
After three consecutive seasons of major movements both in and out of the club, Vice-Chairman Les Reed is reluctant to make many more deals, stating that "we've got a strong squad" and that they won't "bring in players just because of fashion". Moreover, Southampton's refusal to let star centre-back Virgil Van Dijk leave, regardless of the price, sends out a message that they are quite happy with what they've got.
Clearly, those in charge at St Mary's are determined to stimulate some stability and consistency among the playing personnel, something which has been lacking in recent years, and arguably was the source of their disappointing campaign last time out.