On loan Celtic star wanted to front Southampton attack
Published:
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has turned his attention towards John Guidetti as he bids to boost the Saints’ front line.
The Dutchman is keen to lighten the load on Graziano Pelle and while Eljero Elia has arrived on loan from Werder Bremen, Koeman is keen to land the Manchester City ace – currently on loan at Celtic – before the transfer window shuts on February 2.
Guidetti arrived at the Etihad in 2008, but has made just one League Cup appearance for the Sky Blues instead being sent on loan to various clubs to learn his trade.
The striker, still only 22-years-old, featured for IF Brommapojkarna and Burnley before coming into his own during a temporary spell under Koeman at Feyenoord, where he netted 20 goals in 23 Eredivisie matches.
He then endured a fruitless six-game spell with Stoke but has once again shown his potential with a move north of the border.
The Sweden international has scored 11 times in 18 games for the Hoops this season and while this is not enough for his parent club to consider a promotion to the first team, Koeman, who has remained close to Guidetti, is convinced his former charge has what it takes to succeed south of the border.
Celtic are also keen to land the striker on a permanent basis but Guidetti is said to keeping his options open and with Saints riding high in the Premier League a move to the south coast could be on the cards.
The St Mary’s club have been the surprise package of the season and currently sit in third place with genuine ambition to shake up the top four – a feat priced at 5/4 by Ladbrokes.
Next up for Koeman’s men though is the visit of Alan Pardew’s revived Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. The Dutchman is expected to guide his side through to the next round with ease, though, with the hosts priced as the 8/13 favourites.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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