x

Europa League Side Preparing January Bid For Southampton Forward

With only a few weeks to go before the transfer window opens comes news of a club already preparing a bid for one of the Saints squad and the player is said to be interested in the move.

insidefutbol.com are reporting that Turkish Super League side Besiktas have put in a firm offer for Tall Paul Onuachu.

The Nigerian forward spent time on loan at Trabzonspor last season and they are again said to be interested, but they showed in the summer that they are either unable or unwilling to pay the valuation of the striker.

That has led to Besiktas coming into the frame, the Istanbul side currently sit 5th in the Turkish Super League and are also still in the Europa League.

Ironically they sit just 1 point ahead of Southampton's fellow Sport Republic club Goztepe who are in 6th, so the question is whether Sport Republic would be willing to sell one of their players to a big rival for potential qualification for the Europa League next season.

According to the Turkish sports media Besiktas have already made contact with the player and are willing to offer Onuachu a 3 year contract, if he is open to the terms then they are keen to strike a deal with Southampton.

However as we saw with Trabonspor, it seems clubs in Turkey look to get players on the cheap and aren't willing to actually make realistic offers based on the actual value of the player and rely on the player pushing for the move.

Onuachu has played in recent weeks and impressed Saints supporters with his battling play, however the reality is that none of it has been in the penalty area and he has barely had an attempt on goal, we need a striker who can score and although Onuachu can score goals, the type of style that Russell Martin wants to employ does not suit his style of play and therefore unless we change manager there is no point in keeping Tall Paul.

What to read next:

Chalk and cheese - Mousinho hails Pompey's improved away showing at Sunderland
John Mousinho said he saw plenty to be encouraged about despite Pompey losing 1-0 at Sunderland.
Portsmouth 4 - 0 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Mousinho issues warning to Pompey ahead of visit to Bristol City
Pompey boss John Mousinho has warned his players Bristol City could be out for a quick dose of revenge when the sides meet for the second time inside a month at Ashton Gate.
Lang laps up four-goal Pompey plaudits: There’s no feeling like it
Callum Lang grabbed the headlines and lapped up the plaudits for scoring all four goals in Pompey's impressive 4-1 win over Coventry City at Fratton Park.
Mousinho outlines latest on Pompey's defensive injury worries
Conor Shaughnessy is still some way off a return to Pompey's defence - and this weekend's clash with Coventry looks like it may come too soon for Regan Poole.
Plenty of excitement - Pompey boss relishing fixture list picking up
After a stop-start few weeks in terms of fixtures, Pompey boss John Mousinho is relishing the other extreme - a hectic schedule.
Swansea City 2 - 2 Portsmouth - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Breaking news: Pompey set to play game of football
In an unexpected twist to the season, Pompey are due to play a game of Championship football this weekend.
Cullen on Pompey's transfer strategy: 'It will bring success long-term'
Andy Cullen is comfortable that Pompey's recruitment strategy is working - and says it's important to look at the long-term not just the short-term.
Grateful and happy - how Bishop is feeling after triumphant Pompey return
Grateful to be back in the fold - and for all the support he has been shown by staff and team-mates at Fratton Park.