Exclusive: Southampton in advanced talks to sign 27-year-old

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Published on:

30 Jan 2019, 1:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Southampton are in advanced talks to sign Olympiacos right-back Omar Elabdellaoui, Football Insider understands.

New Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is in the market for a new right-back after allowing Cedric Soares join Inter Milan earlier this month and he has identified Elabdellaoui as a top target

Hasenhuttl has been forced to play academy players Yan Valery and Kayne Ramsay at right-back in recent weeks and he is keen to bring in more experience to help his side in their battle to avoid relegation.

Norway international Elabdellaoui has enjoyed a fine campaign to date with Olympiaco, scoring two goals and providing five assists in 25 games in all competitions.

The 27-year-old also Premier League experience under his belt, having played nine games on loan at Hull in the 2016/17 season.

Elabdellaoui started his professional career at Manchester City after joining from Norwegian club Skeid at 16 and despite impressing at City's academy he never played for the club's star-studded first-team before leaving for Eintracht Braunschweig in 2013.

Southampton are currently in 15th spot in the Premier League table, three points above the drop zone.

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