Genk striker Paul Onuachu is set for a medical with Southampton as Everton will miss out on a late deal for the hitman.
That’s according to Belgian transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri, who claims that Onuachu is nearing a move to the South Coast.
Tavolieri claims it’s now a ‘done deal’ for Onuachu to join the Saints before tonight’s transfer deadline.
Tavolieri adds that Onuachu will now undergo a medical with Southampton and sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club.
Southampton will be paying €18million (£16million) plus €3million (£2.65million) in add-ons, taking the deal close to £19million.
TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook said on air (31/01, 4:20pm) that Southampton’s deal for Onuachu looked ‘dead in the water’ at one stage but is now back on track.
Southampton looks set to land their new goalscorer ahead of the window slamming shut, but it’s a blow for Everton once again.
Southampton had secret weapon in battle with Everton for Paul Onuachu
Foot Mercato claimed earlier today that Onuachu was a prime target for Everton in the final hours of the window.
The report noted that Everton were fighting with Southampton and it looks like the Saints have come out on top.
That will be a frustration for Everton but Southampton have had the upper hand thanks to Rasmus Ankersen.
Southampton’s director of football Ankersen was previously involved with Midtjylland, the club where Onuachu made his name.
Onuachu spent seven years with Midtjylland, smashing 74 goals in 181 games for the Danish side.
You could certainly understand if the giant 6ft 7in Nigerian striker wanted to reunite with Ankersen at Southampton.
With 17 goals in 22 games for Genk this season, Onuachu has shown that he knows where the goal is – and that’s what Southampton really need.
It’s a major blow for Everton, who really need a goalscorer of their own – and they must now go back to the drawing board in search of a new face.
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