Southampton winning race for winger Grifo could spell trouble for Elyounoussi

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Southampton are ready to battle Premier League rivals Watford and Bournemouth for winger Vincenzo Grifo during the summer transfer window.

According to the Sunday People, 31/03, page 52, Grifo is of interest to all three clubs as they look to get their squads ready for next season.

Grifo is currently on loan at Bundesliga outfit Freiburg from fellow German side Hoffenheim, and his impressive season so far of seven assists and four goals across all competitions from wide areas has caught the eye.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is of course familiar with the German top flight, having spent time there with RB Leizpig – where he made his name – and is plotting a raid.

If Hasenhuttl does win the developing race for the flier who was born in Germany but has Italian citizenship, it would continue his attempts to improve the struggling squad he inherited from Mark Hughes.

Among the worst culprits is Mohamed Elyounoussi, who the BBC reported signed for £16m last summer but has failed to put his mark on this Southampton side.

The Saints clearly need improvements from wide and if Grifo can come in and offer them, Elyounoussi could be sold to make space in the squad and clear the wages needed.

Elyounoussi has struggled so badly to adapt to English football and Hasenhuttl needs players who can come in and excel when tasked with providing the breakneck speed he demands from his sides.