Southampton line up surprise swoop for three-time league champion

Southampton are reportedly interested in making a surprise offer for France international star Yohan Cabaye, according to the Croydon Advertiser.

The Premier League side, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to strugglers Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Sunday afternoon, have been linked with a move for the Crystal Palace midfielder within the next six months.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The 30-year-old, who has 48 international caps for his country and was part of the French squad that competed at Euro 2016 earlier this summer, has scored one goal in 11 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles so far this season.

Cabaye, who arrived at Selhurst Park back in July 2015 for an undisclosed fee following his switch from defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, has also starred for Newcastle United in the top-flight between 2011 and 2014.

The report suggests that Saints boss Claude Puel, who managed the central midfielder at Lille more than a decade ago, is still a huge admirer of the player’s ability and fancies luring him to St Mary’s Stadium, especially if Palace suffer relegation at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

Cabaye has won three league titles (Ligue 1) – two with PSG, one at Lille.