Southampton interested in Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi

Southampton are among the clubs interested in signing Olympique Lyonnais attacker Karl Toko Ekambi this January transfer window, according to RMC Sport.

The Premier League side, Stade Rennais, and Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab are interested in Ekambi. Lyon are also open to selling the player for only €4 million, as he has only 18 months left on his current deal.

Southampton are looking for reinforcement in the transfer window to help them avoid relegation. Nathan Jones’ side sits bottom of the EPL table, with 15 points from 19 games.

Southampton are midway through the season and know they need points to survive. They have already secured the signing of Croatian Mislav Orsic and Carlos Alcaraz from Racing Club.

They could make Ekambi their third signing of the winter window. He has a respectable goal record for Lyon. He has netted 38 goals and assisted 19 in 114 appearances for the Ligue 1 club.

Ekambi debuted for Cameroon in June 2015. He has scored 12 and assisted three more goals in 55 appearances for the Indomitable Lions.

Also, the player wants to leave after his club’s fans booed him at the Groupama Stadium as Lyon lost against relegation-fighting Strasbourg. Some held pictures of Ekambi’s face captioned “get out”.

When he left the pitch, he went straight to the changing room, kicking a bin. The player now looks set to leave Les Gones.

Rennes are without two attackers and want to sign the Cameroon international on a short-term deal as cover. They prefer a six-month loan deal until June 2023.

Martin Terrier is out of action for the rest of the season. In terms of goals, he is the team’s talisman, scoring nine goals and assisting four more.

Last season, he netted 21 goals and assisted three. He is a crucial player for his side, but he will have to wait on the sidelines till next season.

Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga is also out with an injury. Rennes could really use Ekambi.