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Southampton: Reports of agreed Boufal deal between Saints and Nice dismissed

By Marc Walker

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton walks to the dugout for the start of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton walks to the dugout for the start of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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Reports that suggested that Southampton had agreed a deal to sell Sofiane Boufal to Nice have been dismissed by a reliable source.

French news outlet L’Equipe had said that ‘advances negotiations’ were taking place between Saints and the Ligue 1 club, but the Daily Echo now state that no such negotiations have taken place so far.

Boufal could still be set to move on from Saints this summer, but it now appears that no club has been able to put an acceptable offer on the table to entice those at St Mary’s.

The Moroccan winger spent the 2018/19 season on-loan at La Liga side Celta Vigo and they were said to be trying to reduce the asking price for him to make a permanent move more likely.

Marseille were also reportedly interested in him, but no substantial news has come to suggest that Saints are anywhere near shipping him out.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Pablo Zabaleta of West Ham United battles for possesion with Sofiane Boufal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 31: Pablo Zabaleta of West Ham United battles for possesion with Sofiane Boufal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on March 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

Boufal is yet to rejoin the rest of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad for pre-season training at Staplewood because of his recent involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.

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He played in three of Morocco’s four games at the tournament hosted by Egypt as they reached the Round of 16 stage.

The 25-year-old was introduced as a substitute in wins against both Namibia and the Ivory Coast before staying on the bench versus South Africa. Morocco would win their group with three victories though.

Boufal then played 61 minutes of a last 16 meeting with Benin, but he and his teammates crashed out on penalties.

Saints fans would have a few main memories of Boufal’s time with the club should he leave during this off-season.

Goals against West Brom in the Premier League – a cool finish after a mazy run from the halfway line – and a curling strike versus Sunderland in the League Cup stand out.

It could be argued that previous managers haven’t utilised him well, but his style seems to not fit the pressing that Ralph Hasenhuttl wants from his players.

Further indications that he may not remain on the South Coast this summer came when Saints signed Moussa Djenepo for around £14m from Standard Liege.

Next. Is Webster the best centre-half target for Saints to pursue?. dark

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