Southampton are now keen on a move for a “special” Premier League forward, with the board planning to back Tonda Eckert when the January transfer window opens.
Saints shooting up the Championship table under Eckert
Since appointing Eckert as manager, originally in a caretaker role, the Saints have taken major strides forward, and they are now on a run of six wins in their last seven Championship matches, most recently defeating West Bromwich Albion 3-2 at St. Mary’s.
As a result of their much-improved form, Eckert’s side have shot up the Championship table, now sitting pretty in ninth place, just one point off the play-offs, meaning an instant return to the Premier League is starting to become a realistic possibility.
The new manager has made it clear that promotion is his goal, saying: “We go all in; there is no other way. I don’t shy away from being ambitious to say that we want to play for promotion, whatever that is going to look like in the end. We will go for every single point there is to take.”
With Sport Republic perhaps looking to strike while the iron is hot, they are now planning to back Eckert with funds in the January transfer window, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the board are looking to sustain their momentum.
Chelsea’s Tyrique George has now been identified as a target for the upcoming window, with Southampton keen on a move for the forward, who they are hoping they can convince to drop down to the Championship.
George is ready to leave the Premier League side, given a lack of game time under manager Enzo Maresca, and there is no shortage of potential suitors, with the likes of Leeds United and Everton also interested.
The 19-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this season, meaning Chelsea are now starting to consider a departure, with a move to sister club Strasbourg also a possibility.
The teenager, who is represented by the same agent as Joe Aribo, has found minutes hard to come by under Maresca, but he has impressed when given the opportunity, amassing six goals and six assists in 36 appearances for the Blues since making his breakthrough last season.
Scout Jacek Kulig clearly believes the youngster has an exciting future ahead too, stating he is destined for something “special”, but the starlet is currently at risk of his development being stifled by a lack of football.
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Consequently, stepping down to the Championship could be a savvy move for the left-winger, who has two goals to his name in four appearances for England U21s.
That said, it could be difficult for George to break into Southampton’s starting XI to begin with, given that they have been in red-hot form in recent weeks, scoring a whopping 16 goals in their last five matches.
