Club pull out of deal for Southampton player due to financial demands

According to TRT Spor’s Besiktas journalist Eren Tuna Akdemir the Super Lig side are looking to sign Lille midfielder Thiago Maia instead of Southampton’s Mario Lemina.

In recent weeks we’ve covered reports from Turkey that Southampton’s want-away midfielder is a target for Besiktas as the Black Eagles look to to strengthen their squad before the Super Lig transfer deadline next week.

However, Akdemri has claimed on TRT Spor, via Futbol Arena, that Lemina’s wages and loan fee are considered to be much for Besiktas and they are now looking for a cheaper alternative, with Maia their primary target.

The Turkish side have spent more than €15m on new signings so far this summer and Akdemir says they don’t want to pay a ‘hefty’ loan fee to Southampton.

Yesterday’s reports from Turkey actually said a deal for Maia is done but today there have been claims Besiktas are looking for other targets.