Southampton interest goes all way back to June – Firm €20-25m Saints offer was claimed

This week’s edition of SportBild reports that Southampton are one of the clubs keeping an eye on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s injury recovery.

Following a meniscus operation, the 22 year old Mainz striker hasn’t played yet this season, but there’s still transfer interest ahead of the winter window.

Tottenham are keen, and the German magazine states Southampton have contacted the player’s agent Pierre-Henri Bovis to ask about Mateta’s recovery.

Saints wouldn’t do that unless their interest was serious and for the short term.

We did a little digging in the Sport Witness vaults, and it turned up a claim from June that Southampton had made a firm offer for the player.

Back then it was L’Equipe reporting the claim, and the offer said to be in the €20-25m region.

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Mainz are said to have a ‘pain threshold’ of €30m. SportBild suggest if a club offers that amount then a sale can be done.

However, it’s got to be certain Southampton would want to see Mateta back in action before even considering such an offer.