Lille winger Sofiane Boufal has been strongly linked with a move to Southampton in the past few days, after the arrival of Claude Puel.
The former OGC Nice manager knows Boufal well, and reports have for a while suggested Southampton are actively looking to sign him.
According to a latest report in French newspaper L’Equipe, Puel has been ‘leaning on the back’ of Boufal in the past few days, but it seems the response from the player’s camp isn’t positive.
L’Equipe say Puel will now look for alternatives in the market without wasting too much more time waiting for Boufal.
Boufal has also been linked to Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Paris-Saint Germain, and we won’t be surprised if the player wants to wait for an offer from a bigger club.
After a great season, his stock is high and the player’s agent confirmed to Sport Witness that Tottenham were interested and following his progress.
The 22-year-old had 12 goals and 4 assists to his name last season, and has another three years left on his contract at Lille.
