Southampton have turned down a swap bid from Premier League rivals Watford for out-of-favour midfielder Mario Lemina, according to Calciomercato.
One of many senior players who spent last season away from St Mary’s, it seems the former Juventus midfielder managed to emerge from the wreckage of another Fulham relegation with his reputation largely unscathed.
That is probably because Lemina, for the most part, impressed during his time at Craven Cottage; a famous winner in March’s 1-0 triumph at Liverpool the undoubted high point.
Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted that he was impressed with the way the Gabon international acquitted himself at Craven Cottage.
Whether that is enough to earn Lemina a fresh start on the South Coast – he has barely kicked a ball in red and white since Hasenhuttl replaced Mark Hughes in late-2019 – is anyone’s guess.
Will Mario Lemina leave Southampton for Watford?
Newcastle United continue to be linked amid claims that Lemina, an £18 million signing during the forgettable Mauricio Pellegrino era, could be available for just £7 million with 12 months left on his contract.
Calciomeracto, meanwhile, claim that newly-promoted Watford have made an approach of their own.
The Hornets offered a player in exchange, although the identity of the man in question remains a mystery.
Who would Watford be willing to offer?
Surely not Will Hughes, Ismaila Sarr or Fransisco Sierralta; three players who played a major part in their promotion-winning campaign under Xisco Munoz last term.
CM add that Lemina earns £40,000-a-week at Southampton – a lot of money for a player unlikely to be a regular starter under Hasenhuttl.
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