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Southampton join West Ham in race to sign 35-goal striker target

Premier League sides Southampton and West Ham look set to do battle for a striker with a blistering goal record.

Ralph Hasenhuttl lost talisman Danny Ings during the summer transfer window. The prolific Englishman left for Aston Villa in a shock £30million move.

Saints have struggled in front of goal since his departure. They have scored just six times in eight matches, resulting in a single victory against Leeds United.

The south coast outfit replaced Ings with Adam Armstrong. The 24-year-old got off the mark against Everton on the opening day but has failed to find the net since.

It is no surprise that Southampton officials are looking to bolster the forward line in January. Staying in the top flight is vital if they are to remain financially sound.

Italian outlet Sport Mediaset (via Sport Witness) provide a new name for Southampton fans to get excited about.

They claim that Saints are monitoring Genk’s goal machine Paul Onuachu. The Nigeria international has achieved a great record wherever he has played.

He managed 35 goals in all competitions last term as Genk finished fourth in the Jupiler Pro League.

Onuachu would undoubtedly add a new level of threat to Hasenhuttl’s team. His potential arrival at St Mary’s would also help to improve the likes of Armstrong and Armando Broja.

However, Southampton face a fight to land the 27-year-old. He is a top target for David Moyes and West Ham.

They sold Sebastien Haller in January and are yet to reinvest the money in a replacement. Michail Antonio remains their sole option up top.

A transfer to the Premier League for Onuachu is likely – it is more a case of ‘when’ than ‘if’. He has previously signalled his desire to play at the highest level.

The striker also left his agent, Patrick Mork, after failing to secure a big-money transfer this year.

Liverpool and Sunderland among best picks as top four English leagues take shape

Arsenal, Leicester in for Southampton man

Saints winger Mohamed Elyounoussi is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and Leicester.

The Norway international moved to St Mary’s in July 2018 for a reported £16million. He has made little impact since then and was loaned out to Celtic for two years.

Elyounoussi is back in the first-team now and scored against Newcastle in the third round of league fixtures. His recent upturn has alerted the attention of Arsenal and Leicester, as per the Sunday Mirror.

Leicester had the option to sign Cengiz Under during the summer but opted not to use it. Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking at backup options for young star Bukayo Saka.

READ MORE: Southampton’s players expecting Ralph Hasenhuttl sack, claims report

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