Saint-Etienne are still interested in signing Mario Lemina this summer, but his wage demands could be a stumbling block.
That’s according to L’Equipe, via Inside Futbol, who claim the 25-year-old is still very much on the radar of the Ligue 1 club.
They see him as someone who can “bolster their midfield options”, but the possible move is seen as a “big financial issue”.
Southampton are demanding €15 million for the services of Lemina, which Saint-Etienne are in no position to afford currently.
The same applies to the Gabonese’s wages, so the French outfit believe a loan move may be the best outcome.
Southampton could demand that Lemina leaves permanently, however, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Wolves all linked with him.
Unless the situation changes, it is unlikely that Saint-Etienne will be able to get their man.
Lemina joined Southampton from Juventus in 2017, making 49 appearances ans scoring once.
