Southampton are reportedly ready to cash in on striker Manolo Gabbiadini.
According to the Daily Mail, Southampton are prepared to cash in on striker Manolo Gabbiadini during the January transfer window – despite only signing him in January of this year.
Gabbiadini, 25, joined Southampton from Napoli back in his native Italy on deadline day in January of this year, in the hope of providing a major boost to Claude Puel’s goal-shy attack.
Gabbiadini made an instant impact for the Saints, hitting six goals in 12 games in all competitions to quickly make a name for himself, but the goals have somewhat dried up this season.
After just three goals in 12 appearances, Gabbiadini’s stock has dipped, and the Daily Mail now report that Southampton are prepared to cash in on Gabbiadini when the January transfer window opens.
It remains to be seen just who could move for Gabbiadini, but one club who should take an interest in his signature is Newcastle United – especially if their proposed takeover does go through.
Magpies boss Rafael Benitez worked with Gabbiadini at Napoli, luring him away from Sampdoria during the 2015 January transfer window, and whilst the Italian mostly served as cover and competition for Gonzalo Higuain, Benitez often praised the forward.
Sports Mole quoted Benitez as saying that he didn’t have any hesitation about signing Gabbiadini from Sampdoria, hailing the striker’s quality, but the pair only had a few months together before Benitez moved on to Real Madrid.
Benitez was given a reminder of Gabbiadini’s class earlier this season, when he scored twice against the Magpies, and if Southampton are really keen to cash in, then Benitez should be interested.
Capable of playing up front or as a No. 10, Gabbiadini can provide the touch of quality that Newcastle need in attack, and if given funds to spend after the imminent takeover, Benitez should look to reunite with the Italian – potentially in a club-record – in January.
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