Southampton, Middlesbrough Negotiate £12m Finn Azaz Transfer

Southampton is actively pursuing Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz, with talks ongoing and an opening bid of around £12 million reportedly made by the Saints, although Middlesbrough values Azaz closer to £14-15 million. The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international impressed last season with 12 goals and 11 assists in the Championship, leading Southampton to view him as a key player to help them return to the Premier League. Azaz joined Middlesbrough in January 2024 for approximately £2.5 million after a successful loan stint at Plymouth Argyle and has since become a vital creative midfielder. Southampton's interest in Azaz comes amid a busy transfer window, with West Ham making an improved offer for Southampton's Mateus Fernandes and Premier League clubs also interested in Tyler Dibling. Middlesbrough is cautious about selling both Azaz and midfielder Hayden Hackney, especially as Ipswich Town continues to pursue Hackney despite his rejection of a prior £20 million bid. The transfer window deadline of September 1 adds urgency to negotiations as both clubs seek to finalize their squads.