By Anthony Nlebem.
Struggling English Premier League side Southampton have reportedly submitted a £11m bid to sign Nigeria international and KRC Genk striker Paul Onuachu, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Saints are on the lookout for a new striker and have decided to make a move for the Nigerian striker who is Manchester United and Everton target, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
Onuachu has enjoyed another superb campaign with 15 goals in 21 appearances so far this season, after netting 23 goals in all competitions last term.
Tavolieri believes Genk do not want to sell their talisman in the middle of the season as they aim to win the Jupiler Pro League, and have rejected the £11m bid from Southampton.
It is not stated whether Nathan Jones will make another move for Onuachu.
However, the aforementioned report from Jeunes Footeux states that an offer closer to £22m could be enough to convince the Belgian giants to part ways with the Nigerian striker this month.
The Nigerian is currently valued at €15 in the market and has a contract to stay at Luminus Arena until the summer of 2024
Onuachu will only have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season, so a £22m bid is highly unlikely to arrive in the summer transfer window as his value will decrease.
Onuachu is worth persisting with – he seems tailor made for Premier League football.
The 6ft 7in frontman has the physical traits needed to make an impact up front for Southampton, who are lacking a dominant No.9 capable of pinning defenders and bringing others into the game.
Adam Armstrong and Che Adams work hard, although they are far from prolific in front of goal, while neither offer much height in attack.
With Onuachu leading the line, Jones can instruct his players to swing more crosses in, and go long when opposition sides are pressing with intensity.