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Southampton linked with Montpellier’s Ryad Boudebouz

By Chris Hughes

BORDEAUX, FRANCE - OCTOBER 18: Ryad Boudebouz for Montpellier Herault SC in action during the French Ligue 1 game between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Montpellier Herault SC at Stade Matmut Atlantique on October 18, 2015 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Romain Perrocheau/Getty Images)
BORDEAUX, FRANCE - OCTOBER 18: Ryad Boudebouz for Montpellier Herault SC in action during the French Ligue 1 game between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Montpellier Herault SC at Stade Matmut Atlantique on October 18, 2015 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Romain Perrocheau/Getty Images) /
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The Saints have once again been linked with a swoop for a player in the Ligue 1, with it this time being a tricky Algerian winger called Ryad Boudebouz.

Typically Southampton have been linked with moves for defenders and strikers, ranging from Pontus Jansson to Christopher Jullien to Anthony Modeste.

However the most recent rumour surrounds Ryad Boudebouz, who currently plies his trade in France with Montpellier.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the Saints linked with an attacking midfielder, with both Sofiane Boufal and Dusan Tadic blowing hot and cold throughout the long Premier League season.

What’s more, despite their solid contributions James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond could still improve their game, making the positions behind the forwards weaker than some may think.

The report, which can be seen in Sports Witness but has featured in French tabloid L’Equipe, suggests a bid within the region of 15 million euros would be enough to sign the creative Algerian international.

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Southampton have actually been linked with Boudebouz before however, way back in 2013 when was on the books of Sochaux. He later transfer to Bastia and from there has moved onto current employers Montpellier.

This season his influence for the relegation-threatened side could be comparable to that of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s, as he leads the side in assists with nine, whilst also contributing 11 goals.

He also’s averaging 2.6 successful dribbles per game and a whole 3.6 key passes – two stats he also leads the team in.

With Morgan Sanson leaving for Marseille in January Boudebouz has six more assists than anyone else currently in Montpellier’s ranks, highlighting his influence in keeping the club in Ligue 1.

They currently sit 15th, four points clear of safety with just a game to play, but that doesn’t mean that top teams aren’t swarming for the 27-year-old.

Ronald Koeman’s Everton are also reportedly interested, with Yannick Bolasie currently on the sidelines and Ross Barkley’s future in doubt.

However the report also suggests that Newcastle, Lazio and Montpellier’s rivals Lyon are in the race for the influential Algerian, who has enjoyed the most lucrative season of his career in front of goal.

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