Southampton believe that Strasbourg’s €25 million evaluation of Mohamed Simakan is too high, according to The Guardian.
The Ligue 1 player has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Watford, Crystal Palace as well as the Saints, the report adds.
The 19-year-old has showed tremendous potential in the Ligue 1 and is bound to leave modest Strasbourg during the near future.
He has so far made 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season and also appeared in the Europa League.
Southampton are just four points clear off 18th place Bournemouth on the League standings. While they are currently out of the relegation zone, they could still well be involved in the dog-fight for survival this season.
It is for this reason that the South Coast club should look to strengthen their side this month.
They could certainly do with the addition of Simakan. He is a versatile player who can operate as a full-back or a centre-back.
Cedric Soares has been particularly struggling for form this season so the addition of additional defensive reinforcement will always be welcome for the club.
Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has a good reputation for the way in which he nurtures young talent so a move to St Mary’s could also serve Simakan well at this stage of his career.
€25 million could however just prove to be too much for a club such as Southampton who regularly finish on the bottom half of the Premier League standings.
At this stage of the campaign, it is difficult to see the Saints securing a top half of the standings finish.
