Saints Plot Imps Starlet Swoop

Southampton are believed to be keeping tabs on Lincoln City midfielder Ellis Chapman with a view to a summer transfer window swoop. The 18-year-old made his breakthrough at Sincil Bank after coming through the ranks following his 2016 switch from Leicester City’s academy.

Chapman made 14 appearances for Lincoln in the first half the past campaign, before moving to National League outfit Chesterfield on a six-month loan deal. And, while the Imps went on to ease to the League Two title without him, boss Danny Cowley still spoke highly of the teenager and praised the performances he put in for the Spireites.

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He told Lincolnshire Live: “He’s helped them go from a relegation battle towards mid-table. He’s done fantastically well. “Ellis played down the left, he can play central, midfield, left midfield, left-back and left central-half. “He’s an all-rounder and, tactically, is very intelligent.”

Chapman could be given a chance to shine in League One next season, but reports claim the Saints have also been impressed with his displays and will look to take him to St Mary’s. Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is renowned for giving younger players an opportunity to shine and Lincoln could be tempted to offload as he is approaching the final year of his contract so it would be their last chance to cash-in.

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