Southampton are "looking at" a deal for Celtic forward Daizen Maeda should a move for Terem Moffi fail to materialise, journalist Ryan Taylor has told GIVEMESPORT.

Maeda, who signed a four-year deal with Celtic worth £18,000 a week in the summer, is attracting interest from Premier League sides.

Southampton transfer news - Daizen Maeda

Languishing in the relegation zone of the Premier League, Southampton are in need of some inspiration, should they wish to extend their 11-year stint in the top flight. It had looked as if that might come in the shape of forward Terem Moffi - the Lorient striker with 10 goals from 16 matches so far this season.

Southampton have been linked with Moffi's signature, as boss Nathan Jones plots his new side's route out of the bottom three, with Footmercato reporting Saints have already had a bid rejected for the striker. According to the outlet, Southampton's bid in the region of €10 million wasn't deemed good enough by Lorient who are said to be holding out for more.

Only three sides in the division have netted fewer goals than Southampton this season, indicating a clear need for attacking reinforcements, but the side from the south Coast could be forced to turn their attentions elsewhere should the Moffi deal fall through.

According to Sky Sports, one alternative option to Moffi might be Celtic's Maeda, who has enjoyed a stellar 12-month period at the Glasgow-based outfit. Since joining on an initial loan deal last winter, before making his switch permanent in the summer, Maeda has netted a cool 14 goals in 49 appearances for the Hoops.

What's Taylor said about Maeda to Southampton?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Taylor explained the current situation surrounding Southampton's Maeda pursuit, indicating Saints would be prepared to move for the attacker should the Moffi deal become untenable.

"Southampton are also looking at Maeda," Taylor told GMS.

"He's another player that would probably come under interest if they can't get a deal across the line for Moffi."

What would Maeda offer Southampton?

In short, an outlet up front. Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, Maeda would bring a touch of versatility to a Southampton attack that has looked stale at times this season.

Along with his 14 goals for Celtic, Maeda has also registered 10 assists while in Glasgow, meaning the Japanese international, on average, knocks up at least one goal contribution every other match. Should Jones be successful in his mission of guiding Southampton away from danger, Maeda could prove a worthwhile signing for the Premier League strugglers.