Aston Villa eyeing up £10m move for Southampton striker Michael Obafemi, 20, with West Brom also chasing
ASTON VILLA are weighing up a move for £10million-rated Michael Obafemi – but face competition from West Brom for his signature.
Villa have been tracking the highly-rated Southampton striker, 20, as they look to solve the goalscoring problems which blighted them last season.
But newly-promoted Midlands rivals West Brom are also looking to strengthen their attack and they have highlighted Obafemi as someone who can help them thrive in their first season back up in the top flight.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is a big fan of the Republic of Ireland forward who made 25 appearances for the club in all competitions last season.
But the big problem is how much game time he can give Obafemi with Danny Ings the clear first choice starter in that position, and with Che Adams and Shane Long also in contention.
If anything he is spoilt for choice, but that could be a problem for Obafemi as he looks to continue his development as a player to become a regular starter in the Premier League.
Both Villa and West Brom are well aware of the forward’s ability and if Saints give them any indication they would be open to doing business they could follow through with a firm bid.
It is likely that a fee of around £10m would be needed to persuade Hassenhuttl to cash in on a player he still sees as an important part of his squad at St Mary’s.
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Obafemi was handed his Saints debut in January 2018 by former boss Mauricio Pellegrino.
He was then sporadically involved under replacement Mark Hughes, before becoming a regular for Hasenhuttl
The one-cap Irish international has made 33 Saints appearances in total, scoring five times.