Lewis Payne, a defender for Southampton, is reportedly being pursued by three League One teams, according to a report from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.
According to reports, the 20-year-old, who rose through St. Mary’s academy system, is being connected to Lincoln City, Exeter City, and Bristol Rovers.
Following his League Two appearance for Newport County the previous season, the fullback has already made an impression on the Football League. This summer, he appears to be advancing in his career with another temporary move.
Although the young player has only played for the Saints once, in an EFL Cup match against Cambridge United in 2022, he has a contract with the south coast club that runs through the summer of 2025.
Exeter City, Bristol Rovers, Lincoln City all chasing Southampton starlet Lewis Payne
Payne had a bright youth career at St Mary’s, where he was a consistent player for the Saints’ development squad. In the 22–23 season, he made his professional debut with Eastleigh.
The fullback played 41 games for Newport over the previous 12 months after making a few appearances for the Spitfires, scoring twice while at Rodney Parade.
The first of which occurred in an FA Cup 4-1 loss to Barnet in December. He then found another later in the month, as his team defeated Forest Green Rovers 4-2 on Boxing Day.
The three League One teams rumoured to be interested in him this summer will be greatly attracted to his eagerness to run up and down the touchline, as his limitless energy is a valuable asset both with and without the ball.
In addition, if he decides to sign with a team this summer, his ability to whip passes in from the flanks will provide another threat. In the previous season, his deliveries helped Newport score five goals.
Lincoln City looking to fill void left by Lasse Sorensen after Huddersfield Town move
A move for Payne to bolster his Lincoln City team’s defensive options in front of the upcoming season is being considered by Michael Skubala, since one of the Imps’ key players is leaving for fresh opportunities this summer.
Having played in more than 100 league games for Sincil Bank since his arrival three years ago, Lasse Sorensen has garnered a great deal of praise for his efforts down the right side.
With four goals in the league and eight assists, the Dane was one of City’s most potent attacking weapons in the previous season; only Danny Mandroui and Joe Taylor each had 13 involvements in scoring goals.
Since then, the 24-year-old has been acquired by Huddersfield Town, who were recently relegated, ahead of the forthcoming season. Michael Duff, who was appointed earlier in the off-season, is getting ready for life in the third division with the Terriers.
A player of Payne’s ability might be Skubala and his Imps team’s ideal substitute as they try to replace the efficacy of their adaptable defender, with wing-backs playing a bigger role in their strategy under the former Leeds United manager.
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