According to Fussball Transfers, Werder Bremen are in talks with Southampton as they look to sign midfield outcast Mario Lemina on a loan deal.
The Gabon international arrived at St Mary’s in 2017 for a club record fee.
But similar to then manager Mauricio Pellegrino, the midfielder struggled to make an impact on the south coast and soon found himself cast aside.
Lemina spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, and a report by Fotospor in April claimed the Saints had dropped his price-tag to £9 million to try to entice a permanent deal.
The global health crisis, however, has seriously impacted finances for many clubs.
The latest from Fussball Transfers claim Werder Bremen are negotiating a deal for Lemina. However, the Bundesliga club can only afford to bring him in on loan.
The 26-year-old, meanwhile, is said to want to move to Bremen.
Southampton have a decision to make. The player’s contract expires in 2022. A season out on loan could make sense, but his price-tag may drop even further next summer.
Lemina just hasn’t got going at the Saints since arriving as a big-name addition from Juventus, making a total of 46 Premier League appearances in three seasons.
Southampton may have to bite the bullet on this one and accept cutting their losses.
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