Report: Nice make bid for Southampton star Mario Lemina; talks continuing between the two clubs

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Nice have made a bid of £3.4 million for Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina, according to a report from Le 10 Sport.

Lemina looks set to be on the move this summer. The 27-year-old spent last season away from St Mary’s on loan at Fulham.

The Cottagers had reportedly set their sights on making his move permanent. However, their relegation put paid to those hopes.

Newcastle have been linked with a move. But the Magpies are apparently reluctant to spend £4 million on the Gabon international with his contract expiring next summer.

And that appears to have left the door open for Nice to make their move for the midfielder.

According to Le 10 Sport, the Ligue 1 side have bid £3.4 million for Lemina. It is noted that the two clubs remain in talks over a potential deal.

Southampton will welcome chance to offload Lemina wages as Nice make bid

On his day, Lemina has looked like an outstanding talent. However, it probably says a lot that Saints fans did not seem to miss him too much while he was at Craven Cottage.

That was despite Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side enduring a really disappointing season.

So selling him this summer would be a boost for the Saints.

Even if the transfer fee is not game-changing for Southampton, offloading his wages will certainly help.

According to Spotrac, he is on £40,000-a-week. So moving him on will be good news as the Saints look to bring in fresh targets this summer.