Saints are preparing to move for Steaua Bucharest midfielder Nicolae Stanciu if they can not agree a deal with Lille’s Sofiane Boufal.
Advertisement
The Hornets have agreed a deal with Lille to sign the 22-year-old Moroccan, believed to be worth around £12.5m.
Southampton reportedly had an offer of €15m rejected last week but the club have since made an improved, as Lille are holding firm on their €20m, with €5m potential future add-ons, valuation of the player.
Tottenham have been tipped to be interested in the Moroccan global, and even Watford reportedly placed an offer on Lille’s table earlier in the summer.
Before knee surgery ended his season early past year, Boufal scored 11 times and assisted in five goals for Lille and has also clinched the Best African Player in Ligue 1 award.
Last season, Boufal operated in a variety of positions behind the striker, and is highly competent and comfortable playing out wide or as an attacking option.
Advertisement
Boufal, a product of the youth system at Angers, played a key part in helping the club gain promotion back in the 2014/2015 season, and transferred to current club Lille in January 2015.
