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Report: Southampton showing interest in Osmanlispor midfielder; available for £6m

Osmanlispor's Papa Ndiaye in action (Reuters)
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Southampton are the latest Premier League side to be linked with Papa Alioune Ndiaye.

Southampton are the latest Premier League club to show interest in Osmanlispor midfielder Papa Alioune Ndiaye, according to the Daily Mail.

The same publication reported in November that both Crystal Palace and Everton were also keen on the 26-year-old, who has been told he can leave for £6 million, it is claimed.

Ndiaye has scored 17 goals in 62 games for the Turkish side, but has entered the final 18 months of his contract.

Osmanlispor's Papa Ndiaye in actionOsmanlispor’s Papa Ndiaye (right) in action

The attacking midfielder’s speed on the ball is reminiscent to that of Sadio Mane, whom Southampton sold to Liverpool in the summer, and his arrival could breath new life into a Saints side who have struggled since losing top scorer Charlie Austin to injury.

However, the Senegal international’s inclusion in his country’s squad for this month’s African Cup of Nations tournament – alongside Mane – would likely prevent any immediate impact, were the South Coast club to further pursue their interest.

Lions boss and former Portsmouth midfielder Aliou Cisse said of Ndiaye: “We [Senegal] have players who have proved a great success in the Premier League but I firmly believe Papa could make a greater impact than the others.

Osmanlispor's Papa Ndiaye in actionOsmanlispor’s Papa Ndiaye (left) in action

“He has the ability and great stamina.”

Would Ndiaye be a good signing for Southampton?