Southampton FC interested to sign 27-year-old winger with £3.5m clause from Lens

Southampton are among the sides interested in a deal to sign winger Morgan Guilavogui from Lens this January.

According to German outlet Bild, they face competition from his former side St Pauli, as the eye reinforcements to Tonda Eckert’s side.

The Saints are targeting promotion to the Premier League this season, but are currently outside of the play-off places.

The Hampshire outfit have until 2 February to conclude any potential transfer business that can boost their chances of a top six finish in the second half of the campaign.

The Guinea international has featured 15 times in Ligue 1 so far this season, including starting on three occasions, contributing just one goal.

Southampton eye Morgan Guilavogui

Southampton have reportedly had an offer for Guilavogui turned down amid their interest in bringing him to St. Mary’s.

It’s believed that the French club are unwilling to budge from their €4 (£3.5) million asking price for the 27-year-old.

The Saints face competition from St Pauli, who are interested in bringing the forward back to the Bundesliga this month.

The Guinea international, who has now returned from his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations, spent last season on loan in Germany, where he contributed six goals and two assists from 25 appearances in the top flight.

It remains to be seen whether the Championship side are willing to match the £3.5 million asking price set for the player at this stage, particularly with pressure mounting on Eckert.

Southampton are currently 15th in the second division table after 26 games played, eight points adrift of the play-off places and having played a fixture more than some of their rivals.

Next up for Eckert’s side is a home clash against seventh place Hull City on 17 January in a 3pm kick-off.

Morgan Guilavogui deal could provide some attacking competition

Damion Downs’ time at Southampton didn’t go particularly well, and he’s already been taken out of the squad this month, so there is space for another attacker.

Guilavogui can provide competition as a striker, but he is also capable of playing out wide, and that versatility could prove useful for Eckert.

The 27-year-old has top flight experience, and adding his quality could bring the extra firepower needed to climb the Championship table.

But it’s not a deal where Southampton should be pushing the boat out to get it done, given he will already turn 28 in just a couple of months, so perhaps a loan deal would be their best option if they could get that over the line.