Southampton are reportedly hijacking Newcastle’s move for Sebastien Haller.
According to the Daily Mail, Southampton are hijacking Newcastle United’s move for Utrecht hitman Sebastien Haller ahead of this month’s transfer deadline.
Last week, Voetbal International reported that Newcastle had expressed an interest in signing Haller, but not only did they face competition from Monaco, but the striker also wasn’t too keen on a move to the Championship.
The French striker, 22, hit 11 goals in 17 games on loan for Utrecht having joined from Auxerre in January 2015, and after making his move to the Netherlands permanent last summer, he scored 24 goals in 43 games last term.
With two goals in three games already this season, Haller is on the goal trail yet again – and his performances in the Eredivisie have unsurprisingly triggered major interest.
Southampton manager Claude Puel
Newcastle appear to be looking for a powerful centre forward to compete with Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Haller certainly fits the bill. The 6ft 2in striker is strong and superb in the air, and would be a smart addition for any team looking for a target man.
However, Newcastle’s hopes of landing Haller may take another hit, as the Daily Mail claim that Southampton boss Claude Puel is ready to hijack Newcastle’s move for the striker.
Southampton have moved to a 4-4-2 diamond, with Shane Long and Nathan Redmond playing up front together so far. Charlie Austin is also an option, but with Jay Rodriguez potentially on the verge of a loan move to West Bromwich Albion, the Saints are looking to add another striker.
Southampton fans
Having signed the likes of Cuco Martina, Jordy Clasie and Dusan Tadic from Eredivisie clubs under former boss Ronald Koeman, Southampton are no strangers to the Dutch market, French whilst manager Puel will no doubt be familiar with one of the hottest young talents in France.
Haller’s physicality would bring something different to the Southampton attack given that target man Graziano Pelle left for Shandong Luneng earlier this summer – and a late move to hijack Newcastle’s interest in Haller appears to be on the cards.
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