Southampton ‘looking at’ alternative targets to £30m star at St Mary’s

Southampton will ‘be looking at other targets’ after the asking price of Chelsea striker Armando Broja was revealed, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a productive season-long loan spell on the south coast last term, but it doesn’t seem as though he will be returning on a permanent basis.

Broja was one of the few saving graces in what was a disappointing 2021/22 campaign for Southampton, registering nine goals and one assist in 38 appearances to provide some hope and entertainment.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted in April that he hoped to keep hold of the Albania international for a little while longer following his eye-catching displays.

“At this moment it is not easy to negotiate with Chelsea,” said Hasenhuttl. “There is no question, and it is not surprising that I want him to stay here another year. I know this would be good for him.”

However, a report from the Daily Mail at the start of the month revealed that a host of Premier League sides along with a couple of Italian giants were also interested in snapping up Broja, who has been described as “devastating”.

It was claimed that West Ham, Newcastle United, Everton, Napoli and Inter Milan were all closely monitoring the youngster’s situation ahead of potential moves.

And now it appears as though the Hammers are ready to show their hand, with Sky Sports disclosing that the capital club are set to make a bid in the region of £30 million for Broja’s services.

At £30m, Broja would comfortably Southampton’s record purchase, and Barclay believes that figure may force them to move on to alternative targets.

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He told GiveMeSport: “From Southampton’s point of view,