Southampton: Paco Alcacer linked with move away from Barcelona
By Chris Hughes
In some of the first transfer rumours since the close of the summer transfer window, Southampton have been linked with Barcelona’s Paco Alcacer.
The Spanish forward was once a highly-rated poacher linked with moves to top teams in England, but since becoming a bench-warmer at Barcelona he’s somewhat fallen off the radar.
Securing his dream move in a £26 million deal from Valencia seemed like the perfect step up for Paco Alcacer a year ago – but playing second fiddle to Luis Suarez is no easy task for any striker.
It’s now reported that the 24-year-old could be on his out of the club in January, with Southampton and Crystal Palace interested in his signature.
Despite being limited to cameo roles the Spanish forward has managed eight goals from 31 appearances in all competitions, an impressive record on limited minutes. Known as a fox-in-the-box, Alcacer scored just shy of 45 goals collectively in his three full seasons at the club.
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At 24, the former-Valencia man can still fulfill the potential that made him such a sought-after talent, but it would surely require a record fee from the Saints in order to secure his services.
However, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men are in dire need of fresh attacking options when the window re-opens in January, having fired blanks in all-bar two of their league games so far this campaign.
Arguably it isn’t the fault of the likes of Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini however, but instead the lack of service the Southampton forwards have received. Nonetheless, the supporters would definitely be in favour of fresh reinforcement come the turn of the year.