Southampton are “keeping their cards fairly close to their chest” in their bid to add a striker to Nathan Jones’ squad at St. Mary’s, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has told GiveMeSport.
The Saints are looking at both a forward and defensive addition as they look to fire themselves off the bottom of the Premier League.
Southampton transfer news – January
According to Sky Sports, Southampton’s initial enquiry to bring Everton centre-back Michael Keane to the club on loan for the rest of the season has been knocked back, with the Toffees preferring to sell the 30-year-old permanently to raise funds this month.
Transfer insider Dean Jones has recently told GiveMeSport that the Saints are scouting players from across the globe, with the club having already secured the additions of Mislav Oršić and Carlos Alcaraz, whilst Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas has said the south coast side are close to signing an unnamed player.
Foot Mercato has reported that Southampton are looking at striking a deal with Rennes for the services of Belgium winger Jérémy Doku, who moved to the Ligue 1 side for a fee of £23m in 2020.
Meanwhile, Football Scotland understands that Jones’ men are scouting Celtic and Japan star Daizen Maeda, with his displays at Parkhead and the World Cup triggering interest from the Premier League side.
But Crook believes that neither are likely to link up with the former Luton Town manager at St. Mary’s this month, with the club keeping news fairly quiet on the transfer front.
What has Crook said about Southampton?
When speaking about Southampton’s potential business in January, Crook told GiveMeSport: “Other names that have come up include Jérémy Doku and Daizen Maeda but, at the moment, I'm being told no on those two.
“Whoever this mystery striker is, they're keeping their cards fairly close to their chest.”
What other strikers could Southampton sign?
In terms of striker additions, Southampton have been linked with a move for Lorient and Nigeria striker Terem Moffi, but a move is looking less likely following interest from West Ham and a £25m valuation, as per Crook.
A report from 90min earlier in the month also stated that the Saints are interested in re-signing former frontman Danny Ings, who they sold to current club Aston Villa for £25m in the summer of 2021.
However, the piece also claims that Everton and Bournemouth are potential suitors for the 30-year-old, with all three clubs looking for a centre-forward to fire them away from relegation danger.
Therefore, the next few weeks could prove crucial for the Premier League’s basement club, as they look to make the right signings to keep them in the top flight ahead of next season.
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