Southampton will have a scout at the match between Mafra and Trofense, in Portugal’s second division, according to local reports.
The reason for the Saints’ visit is their interest in defender Ousmane Diomande.
Southampton’s chase for the 19-year-old is today reportedly by newspaper A Bola, where it’s claimed that Southampton, along with Marseille and Sevilla, will all pay a visit to Mafra and watch him in action.
Diomande, who’s loaned by Danish side Midtjylland, is having a very good spell in Portugal, and that’s why clubs are getting interested in him.
One of them are Sporting, who already engaged in talks for his signing.
A Bola writes that the Lions first made an offer worth a total of €5m, with bonuses included.
Now they’re considering giving the Scandinavian club a percentage of a future transfer.
But Midtjylland want a big sale with Diomande and Sporting don’t want to do anything crazy for a youngster.
That’s why a deal hasn’t been found for now, and that should give Southampton and others a chance of winning that race.
