The Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor says that Southampton are ‘also looking at’ Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, in case they do not sign Lorient’s Terem Moffi.
Footmercato have reported that the Saints have already had a bid rejected for Moffi, which is thought to have been in the region of €10m (£9m).
They are also reportedly one of a number of clubs in the Premier League to have recently watched him in action against AS Monaco in Ligue 1, where he grabbed his 11th goal of the season in a 2-2 draw.
However, if Nathan Jones’ side are unable to sign him, then Taylor has told GiveMeSport that they are ‘also looking at’ a potential deal for Maeda:
“Southampton are also looking at Maeda.
“He’s another player that would probably come under interest if they can’t get a deal across the line for Moffi.”
TIF thoughts on Maeda to Southampton…
If a deal fails to materialise for Moffi, then Maeda can be a suitable alternative.
The Japan international has received a lot of praise for his performances for both club and country this season, with Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou calling him ‘immense‘ and former Premier League defender and pundit Rio Ferdinand dubbing him an ‘absolute live wire‘ after watching him in action at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Maeda has managed five goals and five assists for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, including a goal against arch rivals Rangers earlier this month (Transfermarkt), further showing that he can perform in big games on the big stage.
With the Saints struggling at the foot of the top flight with just 15 goals scored in 18 their matches, they need more energy and firepower up top, and Maeda would certainly provide that.