Vitinha: Southampton's pursuit of Portuguese striker scuppered by ...
Southampton's pursuit of Vitinha has ended in disappointment after the striker chose to join Marseille; manager Nathan Jones has repeatedly said he wants to add "potency" to his attack; winger Kamaldeen Sulemana will join Saints
Tuesday 31 January 2023 17:13, UK
Southampton's pursuit of Vitinha has ended in disappointment after the Braga striker opted to join Ligue 1 side Marseille.
The player is now on his way to France to complete the deal.
Southampton were prepared to meet Vitinha's release clause - more than £26m - which would have made him a club-record signing.
Transfer Centre LIVE! | January done dealsPremier League ins and outsGet Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports AppSaints manager Nathan Jones has said on multiple occasions over the past week they would like to "add potency" to their attack.
The club's search for a striker stretches back to last summer when they were unable to land any of their targets and that search looks set to rumble on late into Deadline Day.
Southampton also have an interest in Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, who has scored 69 goals in 160 appearances for the French club.
Southampton have agreed a deal worth £22m (€25m) plus bonuses to sign winger Kamaldeen Sulemana from Rennes.
The agreement will surpass the club-record £22m they committed to signing Danny Ings from Liverpool in 2019.
The player had interest from other clubs, including Everton.
Follow the January transfer window with Sky SportsWho will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window closes at 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
