Latest reports from France Football suggest that Southampton have placed a €15 million for attacking midfielder Sofiane Boufal.
The 22-year-old, who can play centrally or on the wing, is seen as the perfect competition for Dusan Tadic as the Saints main creative anchor.
Boufal scored 11 and assisted four times in Ligue 1 for Lille last season, and was the driving force behind Lille’s 5th place finish.
The Morroco international has been targeted by clubs across the Premier League, including Spurs, Arsenal and Watford, but Claude Puel’s side are the only team to table a bid yet.
Lille will likely try to push for at least €20 million Euros and likely more, but the opening bid is a promising sign for the Saints.
Boufal has the qualities to completely change a game, averaging 2.5 key passes a game last season.
Former Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is looking to raid the club yet again in pursuit of defender Cuco Martina.
The right back has fallen in the pecking order since Puel’s arrival, paving the way for the 26-year-old to leave the club.
According to the Daily Echo, he is not thought capable of fulfilling what Claude Puel demands of his full backs.
The Curacao international arrived at St Marys for £1 million, and rumour has it he could leave for a slight profit.
Martina struggled to adapt to the Premier League in his debut season but performed above expectation when called upon, making 18 appearances for Southampton last season.
The Liverpool Echo believes talks are at an advanced stage and a transfer could be completed in the next couple of days.
The Jose Fonte transfer saga could yet continue, with Manchester Evening News reporting that Manchester United could make a deadline day surge to sign the centre back.
Jose Mourinho’s interest in his compatriot has been a long running theme of this window, with the new United boss looking to further bolster his defensive line.
The Daily Mail reported yesterday that Fonte had been offered a new two-year deal and was told he wouldn’t leave the club this summer, but that contract hasn’t been penned just yet.
A deadline day deal could leave Southampton short at centre half, but it’s unlikely the club would sell unless they had a replacement ready and waiting.
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Will also writes for Football Ticket Net, his choice for Southampton tickets.