Southampton confident Martin Caceres will sign despite interest from Barcelona
SOUTHAMPTON expect to seal a deal for Martin Caceres before they face Manchester United at Wembley.
The former Barcelona defender has been linked with a return to the Nou Camp having become a free agent after leaving Juventus at the end of last season.
Free agent Martin Caceres is expected to sign for SouthamptonGetty Images
But Saints believe they will wrap up a deal in the coming days as they look to replace crocked skipper Virgil van Dijk.
The 29-year-old is believed to have agreed a move to St Mary’s and is waiting to secure a work permit.
But while waiting for the paperwork in Italy he received the shock news that his brother had passed away in his native Uruguay.
Caceres, 29, spent five seasons with Juventus in TurinGetty Images68-cap Caceres heads clear of Wayne Rooney in a World Cup clashReutersSaints want him to come in to plau the whole left by Virgil van Dijk’s injuryReuters
Caceres has jetted home with Saints giving him the time he needs before he is ready to work.
Boss Claude Puel has given his players time off this week but will return to training tomorrow before heading to Spain to intensify their preparations in the build-up.
Saints’ FA Cup hammering at the hands of Arsenal means that Puel’s team have the weekend off and will be in confident mood going into next Sunday’s game off the back of thumping Sunderland 4-0 on Saturday.
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Saints boss Claude Puel will take his players to Spain for some warm-weather trainingGetty Images
Serbian playmaker Dusan Tadic said: "We were working on a different system and I think [it was the] best system for us.
"We showed this, we did good work. Immediately, we had four offensive players. You have good balance between offence and defence and there is more space for everyone to play."
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