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Sources: Southampton agree £26.2m Vitinha deal
Southampton have triggered the £26.2million release clause of Braga striker Vitinha, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old has shone in the Primeira Liga and has been identified by the Saints as a top target to sign before Tuesday’s deadline.
Nathan Jones has been keen to add more firepower to his Southampton squad this month as they look to steer clear of relegation in the Premier League.
Vitinha joined Braga back in 2017 and spent three years in the club’s academy before signing a professional contract with the side in 2020.
He was initially promoted to Braga’s B side for the 2020/21 season and he went on to score 13 goals in 15 matches.
His remarkable record was picked up quickly by the first team coaching staff and Vitinha made a swift transition into the senior squad.
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Since becoming a part of the first team, the young forward has scored 14 goals in 42 league appearances, including seven in 17 appearances in the 2022/23 season.
Vitinha has also shone in the Europa League for Braga this season, scoring four and assisting once in five matches as the Portuguese side crashed out of the tournament by finishing third in Group D.
Vitinha has also picked up silverware since becoming a first-team member of Braga, helping the club to win the Taca de Portugal in the 2020/21 season.
Southampton are in desperate need of a regular goalscorer while currently sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Saints have scored just 17 times in 20 league matches this season, with only three teams in the division scoring less than them.
In other news, Coventry City make move for Bristol City defender Jay Dasilva