Southampton have reportedly been joined in the race for Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko by Real Betis, who have made an offer for the player.
The 19-year-old has been in and around the first team at the Signal Iduna Park for a few years now following a sensational record of goalscoring at youth level.
Unfortunately, Moukoko is still on the fringes of the preferred XI at Dortmund, starting just four Bundesliga matches during the 2023-24 term.
Despite featuring for just 614 minutes of top-flight action last term, the striker managed five league goals, giving him 0.73 goals per 90 minutes.
Moukoko possesses considerable international pedigree, having represented Germany's senior side on two occasions since his international debut in November 2022.
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Real Betis 'submit' loan offer for Moukoko
According to Spanish outlet ElDesmarque, a new La Liga outfit have joined the race for the services of Dortmund's Moukoko during this summer's window.
The report claims that Real Betis have submitted a loan offer for the 19-year-old, who is firmly behind Niclas Fullkrug in the forward pecking order at Signal Iduna Park.
It is understood that Moukoko and his representatives are currently considering the proposal of Betis, who will compete in the Europa Conference League this season.
The striker's agent Patrick Williams recently revealed that his client wishes to leave Dortmund this summer, with the youngster left frustrated by his lack of game time for the German powerhouses.
Alongside Betis, it is believed that Real Sociedad and Girona are also keen on Moukoko, with the latter able to offer the player Champions League football in 2024-25.
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Southampton face serious competition for Moukoko
With Moukoko having his pick of Champions League, Europa League and Conference League nights at Girona, Sociedad and Betis respectively, it is going to take a lot for Southampton to convince the youngster to join a potential Premier League relegation dogfight.
There is also said to be interest in the 19-year-old from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, who have gained a great reputation of nurturing emerging talent.
Russell Martin's side lost Che Adams last month but replaced the Scotland international by signing Ben Brereton Diaz, with the Chilean impressing on loan in the Premier League at Sheffield United recently.
It remains to be seen whether the Saints dip into the market for another striking option or trust Adam Armstrong and Brereton Diaz to fire in enough goals to keep the South-coast club afloat in the top flight.
Carter White
