Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor has rekindled their interest in signing Southampton striker Paul Onuachu, according to reports.
Onuachu spent last season on loan with Trabzonspor, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists, and was keen on making his stay in Turkey a permanent one.
Trabzonspor had previously made several offers to Southampton, but none of them met the nine million euros demanded by the Premier League club. The Turkish side then turned their attention to former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst, but were unable to convince him to make a switch to Turkey.
With Weghorst now linked to Ajax, Trabzonspor has made Onuachu their top priority, and are preparing to hold further talks with Southampton over a final offer. Southampton has already rejected an offer of €7m plus €2m add-ons from Trabzonspor, but it is hoped that a middle ground can be found during these meetings.
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Onuachu, who is not a clear favorite in Southampton manager Martin Russell’s plans for the season, did not feature in any of the club’s pre-season games. A move away from the club would be best for all parties involved.
Paul Onuachu celebrates after scoring for Belgian club Genk. Photo Credit: Getty Images.
Trabzonspor has been struggling in front of goal this season, scoring just one goal in their last three games, and are desperate for a permanent fix. Their alternative signing, Romanian Denis Dragus, has scored just once in four outings.
With Onuachu’s impressive form last season, Trabzonspor believes he can be the solution to their goal-scoring problems. The 29-year-old Nigerian attacker’s height and physical presence make him a formidable striker, and his experience in the Turkish Super Lig would be an asset to the team.
The transfer window nears its end and Trabzonspor is hopeful of securing Onuachu’s services and strengthening their attack for the rest of the season.
