Linked with his signature earlier this month, Southampton face fresh competition from West Ham United to sign Greenock Morton forward Jai Quitongo, report the Daily Mail.
This week, the publication claimed the Hammers deployed scouts at Greenock Morton’s fixture against Aberdeen at Hampden Park last weekend to run the rule over the 19-year-old star.
Despite his slender years, Quitongo is firmly among Jim Duffy’s first team and can play on either the left wing or as a centre forward.
In HITC’s initial report, they claimed Crystal Palace were pressing ahead with a £300,000 deal for Quitongo but with that deal yet to be agreed, it appears Southampton are still in with a chance.
Nevertheless, Claude Puel’s Saints face an uphill battle to land the talented teenager with not only West Ham United but also Swansea City and former suitors Doncaster Rovers having been interested in recruiting Quitongo.
League Two outfit Doncaster actually saw a £100,000 offer rejected for Quitongo’s services in the summer so Southampton will have to be aggressive in their pursuit of the sought-after youngster.