Southampton make transfer approach for Chelsea's Anjorin after Lokomotiv Moscow loan cut short

Southampton are in talks to sign Tino Anjorin from Chelsea after he cut short his loan at Lokomotiv Moscow, following Ralf Rangnick’s exit to join Manchester United.

The 20-year-old is currently in London taking the last steps to overcome a broken metatarsal sustained in Russia.

The Blues had previously inserted a £17m ($20m) option to buy on their loan deal with Lokomotiv and could accept a similar price for the homegrown talent.

If the Saints can’t sign Anjorin in January, they will try again in the summer.

Chelsea will, instead, likely send him on loan to a Championship club, with several teams already enquiring about the attacking midfielder’s status.

EXCL: Southampton are in talks with Tino Anjorin over a permanent move.

- Chelsea previously valued him a £17m at Lokomotiv Moscow, but he has now cutshort his loan

- If he stays, Saints will try again in the summer & he'll go on loan to the Championship. #CFC

Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of the homegrown star who was seen as the best in his generation but is unable to guarantee first-team minutes with so many attackers in his squad.

Russia is no longer seen as the best enviornment for Anjorin after Rangnick was poached by Man Utd. The sporting director turned head coach had been the driving force behind the transfer in the first place.

Hasenhuttl’s strategy is increasingly talking about diving into the big six academies and giving a shot to the best young players in the Premier League.

Southampton have already attracted the likes of Tino Livramento and Dynel Simeu from Chelsea. Meanwhile, they have given ex-Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters an important role in the first team. There’s also Nathan Tella from Arsenal and Thierry Small from Everton.

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