Southampton are preparing a club-record £30million bid for Fulham striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to The Express.
The Saints are planning a major summer shake-up after the club flirted with relegation for large parts of the season. Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl is targeting Mitrovic, who scored 11 goals in the Premier League for a Fulham side that will finish in 19th place.
Danny Ings will complete a permanent move to St Mary’s after his loan spell ends, but Southampton are eager to add more firepower to their ranks.
6ft 2in striker Mitrovic, 24, is also attracting interest from West Ham alongside several clubs in China.
The striker cost Fulham £18million last summer following their promotion to the Premier League, but the club will now struggle to hold on to their star man following immediate relegation to the Championship.
He has a prolific record for his country, scoring 23 goals in 47 games.
Good move for Southampton?
Mitrovic will be a wanted man this summer. The Serbian has been the standout player for Fulham this term and won’t be short of suitors. The Saints struggled in front of goal this season and adding Mitrovic to the forward line will add a different dimension to their game. His aerial presence and dominant style of play causes defenders big problems and with the pace of Ings and Long, it may be a recipe for success. Signing Mitrovic would be a bold move from the Saints.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Is it likely?
With so many clubs interesting in signing him, Southampton will have to move quickly in order to secure his services. Chinese clubs will no doubt be offering colossal wages and this could sway Mitrovic’ mind, Southampton must be willing to pay £30 million and match any wages that are offered to the striker. Southampton have three regular strikers in their ranks, Ings, Long and Austin are the club’s three main options which means competition for places is already stiff.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10