According to the Daily Mail, Southampton are now looking to sign LASK Linz winger Husein Balic – though Celtic are also interested.
It’s claimed that Brentford are also keen on Balic, but Celtic have been watching him for months now as they consider a 2021 move.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl will be well aware of the top players emerging in his native Austria, and Balic is certainly one of them.
The 24-year-old is allegedly nicknamed ‘The Sprinter’, having shown himself to be one of the fastest players in the world having been clocked running at 39km/h.
The report adds that Balic may cost just £2.8million in January, with LASK seemingly prepared to sell in January despite having more than three years left on his contract.
In 14 games this season, Balic has bagged five goals and two assists, and he also racked up eight goals and five assists in 37 games last season.
Balic’s record in Austria is certainly promising, and his pace makes him very appealing – especially with questions over Mohamed Elyounoussi.
If Celtic lose the Southampton loanee at the end of the season, moving for Balic could make some sense, whilst Southampton may view him as a cheap alternative to the Norwegian, who has struggled on the South Coast.
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