Bologna looking to sign Manolo Gabbiadini from Southampton

Bologna are interested in signing Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini, according to leading Italian news outlet Di Marzio.

It’s stated that the former Napoli forward is being eyed up as a replacement for Simone Verdi at the club. Gabbiadini played for Bologna for a season in 2013 before seeking pastures new elsewhere.

The Italian international is out of favour at Southampton. Mauricio Pellegrino, despite having Charlie Austin unavailable, has been selecting Shane Long in his one-striker system and Gabbiadini has struggled to secure regular game time at Saints.

Signed for a fee of around £14m in January last year, Gabbiadini got off to a flying start and quickly announced himself to the Southampton faithful by netting six goals in four games. He has been unable to replicate that form since, though, and has seen his game time limited under Pellegrino.

Gabbiadini’s agent is talking to Bologna about a potential move, according to Di Marzio, and if Saints opt to retain the player until the end of the season, the Serie A club will still be keen to lure him back to Italy in the summer.