Galatasaray have reportedly opened talks with Southampton over a permanent deal for Mario Lemina at the end of the season.
According to Fotomac, via Sport Witness, Galatasaray are in discussions with Southampton over a permanent switch for the midfielder and are looking to lower the €16m option-to-buy clause set in the loan deal.
The report also claims that Lemina is happy in Turkey and that Galatasaray have asked his agent to convince Southampton to make a deal possible.
READ SOUTHAMPTON VERDICT
This is a tough one to judge. On the one hand, Southampton agreed a €16m fee with Galatasaray less than a year ago, which suggests that they value Lemina in-and-around that region. It seems like Galatasaray are now trying to sign him for a cheaper fee which would force Southampton to lower their valuation and lose Lemina for less than they wanted.
On the other hand, there may not be any other suitors for the Gabon international and it could be Southampton’s best chance to recoup some money.
If Galatasaray are the only interested party and Southampton are keen to sell him, they may have to reach a middle ground and drop the €16m price tag.
Ralph Hasenhuttl refused to include Lemina in his pre-season squad last summer, before sending him out on loan, which suggests that he has no plans for the midfielder moving forward.
If Hasenhuttl does not want him at the club, it could be best for Southampton to let him leave on a permanent basis. It could be disruptive for a player to be in the squad if the manager does not want him to be there, which is why Southampton may look to move him on.
