Southampton have now identified Celtic striker Daizen Maeda as their Plan-B target in case a deal for Terem Moffi falls through. The FC Lorient star is also a transfer target of Everton.
That is according to Ryan Taylor, who reports the Saints are likely to step up their interest in Maeda if Moffi does not move to St Mary’s. The Premier League team admire the Japan international as boss Nathan Jones looks to strengthen his strike force to avoid relegation.
Only Wolves (11), Nottingham Forest (13) and Everton (14) have so far scored fewer goals than Southampton (15) this season. A tame attack at St Mary’s sees the south coast side sit bottom of the English top-flight table. It also helped to cost Ralph Hasenhuttl his job there.
Now, Jones is keeping tabs on Maeda’s situation at Celtic in case Southampton fail to seal Moffi’s transfer from Lorient. The 25-year-old has scored six goals and laid on five assists in 27 appearances with the Hoops this term. His haul includes five of each in the Premiership.
Moffi, meanwhile, has 11 goals in his 17 appearances with Les Merlus, all of which came in Ligue 1 games. Only Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has outscored the 23-year-old in the French top-flight this term with 13. His haul also has Lorient sitting sixth in the table.
Southampton to scout Maeda on Saturday as Jones targets his transfer from Celtic
Southampton are in talks with Lorient about Moffi’s transfer in January. But Foot Mercato reports Les Merlus have rejected the Saints’ offer worth in excess of €10m (£9m). Stade du Moustoir chiefs expect more to sell the Nigerian, who is keen to leave the club this month.
The Daily Mail also credits Everton and West Ham United with an interest in the forward’s switch. But the Irons are unable to meet the £25m price tag that Lorient set David Moyes’ side in talks. Les Merlus only signed Moffi from KV Kortrijk for €8m (£7m) in October 2020.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports News has also reported Southampton’s interest in Maeda’s transfer from Celtic. It also notes that the St Mary’s team saw a £15m offer for Moffi fall flat due to Lorient’s £25m valuation. While Football Scotland reports the Saints are scouting Maeda.
Southampton will scout Maeda in Celtic’s Scottish League Cup semi-final with Kilmarnock this Saturday. Jones has the 12-cap Japan star, who Ange Postecoglou paid Yokohama F Marinos £1.5m for after an initial loan spell, high on the St Mary’s outfit’s attacking shortlist.
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