Southampton are interested in highly-rated Dundee United starlet Scott Banks according to the Scottish Sun.
They claim the Saints sent a scout to watch United’s recent League Cup match against Cowdenbeath.
Neilson will want to keep Banks. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
A move to Southampton may be too good to turn down, but is it too big of a jump for him at an early age?
Reported Southampton target Banks should stay with Dundee United
Banks only made his first start for the Tangerines against the Blue Brazil. He was named man of the match as United swept past their League Two opposition.
At just 17 years of age, he’ll have impressed the Premier League side.
They are managed by Ralph Hasenhuttl. (Photo by James Bridle – Southampton FC/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Is it too much for the young midfielder at this stage though? It probably is. Tannadice is the best place for him to be right now. He is likely get plenty of senior minutes this season after impressing in League Cup action.
He should aim to build up these senior minutes. They will be more beneficial to him than any training and game time Southampton give him in there academy.
Could he be blamed for taking a deal, if one was offered? Not at all. Southampton are well known for their development of young talent, with the likes of Gareth Bale coming from their youth ranks.
Bale developed at St Mary’s. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Plus, he’d be earning decent wages and Banks would also be surrounded by Premier League quality players, which would improve his game.
He’d still be better placed at Tannadice though. For someone so young, senior football is vital. He isn’t going to get that at St Mary’s, so Banks should stay in Tayside.