Southampton eyes ‘exceptional’ 28-year-old as Forest close in on £15m man
Southampton are now looking to bring in Ligue 1 centre-back from Strasbourg, Alexander Djiku, as Loic Bade closes in on Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, as reported RMC Sports.
Despite Armel Bella-Kotchap’s exceptional start to his career at St Mary’s, defensive reinforcements remain a necessity for Ralph Hasenhuttl on deadline day. Jan Bednarek’s impending departure – whether to Aston Villa or West Ham United – means a replacement is needed.
The Saints had sought to bring in Rennes replacement Loïc Bade. However, the so-called ‘new Raphael Varane’ is set to join high-spending Nottingham Forest. And, according to reports in France, Southampton are now eyeing another Ligue 1 stopper.
Southampton look to Alexander Djiku as replacement for Jan Bednarek
Ghana international Djiku has been one of the main reasons Strasbourg have spent much of the last term flirting with European qualification.
“He is really at his peak this season” said former Alsatian coach Thierry Laurey of a man in the form of his life.
Djiku, 28, described as ‘exceptional’ talent of Ghanaian boss Charles Akonnor, has less than 12 months on his contract in Strasbourg. Southampton therefore hopes to be able to force the The Blue and White in a deadline sale; perhaps on reduced fees. Sevilla, after losing Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos, are also in contention.
Bella-Kotchap, a £9m signing from VFL Bochum, stood out once again in Tuesday’s shock 2-1 win over Chelsea. He is now firmly established as Mohammed Salisu’s first-choice partner as a centre-back.
As such, Bednarek hasn’t played a minute in Southampton’s last three Premier League games. The Pole could replace the injured Diego Carlos at Aston Villa today.
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