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Southampton and Newcastle “close” to agreeing deal for midfielder

By Marc Walker

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Mario Lemina of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on March 04, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Mario Lemina of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on March 04, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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Southampton and Newcastle are “close” to an agreement over the transfer of midfielder Mario Lemina to St James’ Park.

According to a report from the Northern Echo, a compromise over the valuation of the 27-year-old is edging nearer. Saints value the Gabon international at £8m, whilst Newcastle were originally willing to pay £4m for him.

Interestingly, reports from France are also suggesting that OGC Nice, whose interest in Lemina  appeared last week, are close to agreement with Saints.

Lemina has been back in pre-season training with Saints after a good loan spell with Fulham last season but now appears set to leave for pastures new.

Mario Lemina (R) (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)
Mario Lemina (R) (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images) /

Southampton need incomings with outgoings flowing

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Saints have completed eight transfer deals in all this summer and could take that figure to 10 if the signing of Chelsea youngster Dynel Simeu the sale of Lemina are confirmed.

Despite the need for signings this summer, Saints have been able to secure just two so far. Theo Walcott and Romain Perraud have joined on permanent deals from Everton and Stade Brest respectively.

19-year-old Dynel Simeu is expected to sign on a free transfer to take this figure to three but may not feature at first-team level in this coming season.

Rumours continue to swirl about potential deals for Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong and Manchester United’s Brandon Williams and both would mark good purchases. However, negotiations seem to at a momentary standstill as a fair price for each deal is agreed.

It remains to be seen what action the club will take if those moves come off. Both players would give Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad a more rounded look and there would certainly be less gaps to fill in terms of strength in depth.

However, both Hasenhuttl and club CEO Martin Semmens have spoken in the past about “gifts” that the market can provide – potentially suggesting that they believe things could open up later in the window and that this could see Saints bag a high quality player as we move towards the end of pre-season.

Next. Saints set to announce ninth piece of summer transfer business. dark

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