Southampton have suffered a blow in the race to sign Angers talent Mohamed-Ali Cho, with RB Leipzig reportedly meeting the club to discuss a transfer for the teenager.
According to L’Equipe, the UEFA Champions League side have met with the Ligue 1 side to discuss the attacker, with the report even mentioning that an offer as high as €25m (£20m) has been tabled by the Bundesliga side.
As per the report, Borussia Dortmund are also keen on the 17-year-old, who has been one of the breakout stars in France this year. And according to the Sun, the Saints are also chasing the forward.
Angers were initially reported to be hoping for a €40m (£34m) sale. However, it appears that the Pays de la Loire-based club are willing to lower their demands for Cho, with Leipzig pouncing at the chance.
Indeed, the news will come as a blow for Southampton, who have been impressive in recent windows in signing young talents from across Europe, and Cho could have been one of the most exciting names to come to St. Mary’s in some time.
The forward is one of the most sought-after and highly rated players in France this season. And for Southampton, signing Cho would be a serious sign of intent.
Southampton can beat Leipzig to Cho signing
Leipzig’s interest in the forward highlights a problem for Southampton, however, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to suggest that the Saints can beat the German titans to the teenager’s signature.
Indeed, playing in the Premier League seems a more glamourous affair than the Bundesliga, even for a young player like Cho, who L’Equipe label as ‘explosive’. And Southampton have shown they are willing to give youth a chance if they are good enough to compete.
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