Earlier today, Le Parisien journalist Marc Mechenoua and L’Equipe reported RC Strasbourg are advancing discussions with Southampton over signing Sékou Mara. They also stated RC Lens and Stade Brestois are also in the picture to sign him.
The battle for the striker is now heating up as OGC Nice have joined the race, according to Foot Mercato.
Nice, Strasbourg, Lens and Stade Brestois are in a ‘4-way battle’ for the Southampton player.
It’s claimed Lens remain in the mix, while Stade Brestois have a dream of signing the 22-year-old on a loan deal. Southampton are now looking to cash in from his sale and this gives Strasbourg an advantage.
The report says Patrick Vieira’s side were initially considering a loan move before sending a €10m bid to Southampton. This has given them a head start, but Nice have now made a late entry.
Foot Mercato claim injuries to Jérémie Boga and Terem Moffi have seen Nice look for a new attacker. They have set their sights on Mara and are willing to table a ‘nice cheque’.
This could help Southampton secure the best possible deal from the player’s sale.
Mara is ‘coveted’ by the Ligue 1 quartet. He’ll have to make a decision on the next club, if and when the suitors come to an agreement with Russell Martin’s side.
