Southampton are reportedly interested in Morton winger Jai Quitongo.
Greenock Morton’s stadium, Cappielow
According to The Scottish Sun, Southampton are interested in Greenock Morton winger Jai Quitongo – but Crystal Palace are pressing ahead with a £300,000 deal for him.
Quitingo, 19, is the son of former Hearts star Jose Quitongo, and has taken a similar path to his father in making a name for himself in Scottish football.
After spells in the youth setups of Hamilton Academical and Aberdeen, Quitongo dropped down to the second tier of Scottish football by signing for Morton in the summer of 2015.
Greenock Morton’s stadium, Cappielow
It’s a move that appears to have paid dividends for the Scottish youngster, who can also play for Portugal, as whilst he only played seven games last season, he has already scored six goals in 16 appearances this term.
After League Two side Doncaster Rovers had a deadline day bid rejected for Quitongo (BBC Sport), interest in the teenager’s signature is building – and a host of Championship and Premier League clubs are now keen.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew
The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Crystal Palace, Hull City and Swansea City are all keen, whilst Brighton, Preston and Wigan are also lining up moves given that he’s out of contract next summer.
Now though, The Scottish Sun report that Southampton are in the race as well, but they currently trail Crystal Palace in the race, as the Eagles are looking to push through a £300,000 deal for Quitongo in January.
Southampton manager Claude Puel during training
Southampton have earned a reputation for developing young players over the years, and that track record could be appealing to a talented teenager like Quitongo.
At just £300,000, Quitongo certainly fits well within Southampton’s budget, and with more than two months to go until the transfer window re-opens, the Saints will have time to weigh up whether to battle Palace for the attacker’s signature.
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