Alexander Sorloth is the leading candidate to replace Willian Jose at Real Sociedad before Tuesday’s deadline, per Marca, with RB Leipzig expecting to sell the Southampton target.
Imanol Alguacil intends to strengthen the San Sebastien strike force before the summer market closes next week. Jose has returned from a failed loan spell with Wolves, where he scored once in 18 games, but is imminently set to depart once again to join Real Betis.
Sorloth is free to leave Leipzig a year after joining, as manager Jesse Marsch does not rely on the 25-year-old. He only managed to score six goals in 37 games for the Bundesliga side last season. He is also yet to feature this term, after Marsch replaced Julian Nagelsmann.
Real Sociedad now intend to advance their interest in Sorloth with Jose bound to leave. But the Txuri-Urdin would need Die Roten Bullen to lower their demand of €16m (£13.5m). The figure is too high for the budget Alguacil has available during the final week of the window.
Leipzig may feel confident in demanding Sociedad meet their valuation, as Southampton are also interested in signing Sorloth. That’s according to The Athletic, who noted Ralph Hasenhuttl has considered the 32-cap international to help replace Danny Ings’ output.
Marseille also like Sorloth, per Foot Mercato, but Bild back up Marca’s claim of the striker likely being set for Real Sociedad. The German publication add that Marsch has omitted him from his matchday squads as Die Roten Bull seek to sell their €20m (£17m) signing.
Although Kicker offer Southampton some hope of beating Real Sociedad to buying Sorloth from Leipzig. They, like Marca, note the La Liga and Bundesliga sides are yet to agree terms.
Sociedad now biggest threat for Southampton to sign Leipzig’s Sorloth
Real Sociedad certainly appear to be Southampton’s biggest threat to signing Sorloth from Leipzig before the market closes next week. The La Liga outfit will be loath to not improve Alguacil’s options with Jose set to join Real Betis imminently.
Hasenhuttl still has a chance to agree terms with Leipzig, though, should Southampton be willing to pay £13.5m, unlike Sociedad. Bringing a forward capable of coming up clutch to St Mary’s, after Sorloth proved a stoppage-time star last season.
Sorloth scored a late winner for Die Roten Bullen against Borussia Monchengladbach in February, coming from 2-0 down to win. The 6 ft 4 forward also showed glimpses of his ability to command the air last term. Which attracted Leipzig Sporting Director Markus Krosche initially.
He said, via Bundesliga.com: “He’s a physical and technical player, who’s strong in the air and a good finisher. Alexander has all the attributes you need as a footballer.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
