Southampton are said to be leading the chase to sign the Atletico Madrid striker, ahead of three top European sides.
Southampton are weighing up a £13.5 million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto, The Sun reports (11 August, page 61).
The Saints have been linked with the Argentine throughout the summer, but are now said to be ‘leading the chase’ to sign him, ahead of Valencia, Marseille and Sampdoria.
Luciano Vietto in action for Sevilla
It is claimed that Mauricio Pellegrino’s team are the only one prepared to make a firm offer, with the trio all hoping to sign Vietto on loan.
Atletico are currently under a transfer embargo, but will reportedly listen to offers for the player regardless.
Vietto moved to Madrid in an £18 million deal from Villarraeal two years ago, but has struggled to replicate his prior form in the Spanish capital, and spent last season on loan to Sevilla.
Southampton already have four senior strikers to choose from, although one of those, Sam Gallagher, has been linked with a return to the Championship on loan.
Sam Gallagher in action for Blackburn Rovers
And the futures of Charlie Austin and Shane Long could also be at risk if Vietto arrives at St Mary’s, with the latter now 6/4 to sign for Burnley this summer with bookmakers Sky Bet.
Should Southampton move for Vietto?
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