Southampton reportedly interested in loan move for Kelechi Iheanacho

As the season comes to a close and transfer speculation intensifies, it seems like the Saints could be a potential destination for Manchester City’s young Nigerian striker.

A host of strikers have been mentioned over the past weeks but the latest man to be linked with a move to the south coast is Kelechi Iheanacho, who has fallen out of favour at City and is linked with a loan move to the Saints in the Manchester Evening News.

There’s no denial that the Saints could have a shake-up of their attacking options this summer. Despite their performances against Middlesbrough both Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez could be on their way out this summer, meaning another forward will be needed to back-up Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long.

But should Southampton look to add the talented young striker to their ranks, it won’t come without competition, as Hoffenheim and even Borussia Dortmund have been credited with an interest.

However a season-long loan isn’t the only possible route Claude Puel could take, with the latest speculation suggesting Pep Guardiola would accept bids within the region of £20 million for Iheanacho.

Despite being regarded as arguably one of Europe’s top young strikers, the 20-year-old has fallen out of favour since the arrival of Gabriel Jesus in January. In fact, since the turn of the year he has only played more than 30 minutes in a game for Manchester City on one occasion.

However for club and country Iheanacho has still averaged a goal every 68 minutes this campaign, and he has four goals and three assists from just five Premier League starts. In fact he has 12 goals from 42 senior appearances for the Citizens since making the step up from youth level, and he scored five goals in eight appearances for Nigeria.

His lack of first-team action should be no indication of a lack of potential, and any move that the Saints could pull off would greatly strengthen their attacking line.

The youngster is known to be a great poacher which would work well with Claude Puel’s preference to have balls whipped into the centre-forwards, and his ability to provide an impact off the bench is something Southampton’s current squad is seriously lacking.

Think Iheanacho should join Southampton this summer? Let us know on Twitter – you can find us at @SaintsMarching_