Southampton search for Moffi alternative after rejected bid

After seeing a £15m bid for Terem Moffi rejected by Lorient, Southampton are reportedly keeping tabs on Celtic forward Daizen Maeda as an alternative for the Nigerian striker, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Head coach Nathan Jones is keen to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window in a bid to steer his side off the foot of the Premier League table and away from the relegation zone.

According to Sky Sports News, Southampton have seen a £15m bid for 23-year-old Moffi rejected by Ligue 1 outfit Lorient, who value the Nigerian closer to £25m.

Moffi has impressed in the French topflight this season, scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances, but his long-term future with Lorient is believed to be uncertain as his contract is due to expire in 18 months’ time.

The report adds that Southampton are also monitoring Celtic’s Maeda, who has developed into a first-team regular under Ange Postecoglou since arriving at Parkhead in January last year.

Maeda, who scored for Japan in their last-16 defeat against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup, has contributed to three goals in as many games for Celtic since returning from international duty at the end of last month.

Speaking to reporters about potential incomings after Southampton’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, Jones said, “It’s not the amount, it’s the quality of what we do.

“So there won’t be 10, but if we can get three or four real quality additions that improve us, then that’s what we want. Because it’ll freshen stuff up and there’s a good group there.”

Southampton’s struggles in front of goal in the Premier League continued before the FA Cup break as they suffered a 1-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest.

With their interest in the 25-year-old, it remains to be seen if the Saints will submit a new bid for Moffi, who is only behind PSG’s duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in terms of goals scored in the French Ligue 1.

Moffi could be also swayed by the prospect of playing in the Premier League despite Southampton’s precarious position, even as his fellow Super Eagles star Joe Aribo is enjoying a good spell at St. Mary’s.