THE future of young Saints striker Michael Obafemi is still unresolved with ‘a number of clubs interested’ according to reports.

The 21-year-old forward started in the pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, but The Telegraph reports detail that ‘a number of clubs are interested, including Blackburn.’

Saints have had a bid accepted for Rovers’ star striker Adam Armstrong that doesn’t include any players, but with a sizeable void left by him it would be no surprise if they looked to replace him swiftly.

Obafemi hasn’t performed badly during pre-season, but Saints closing in on a loan deal for Chelsea academy striker Armando Broja, Ralph Hasenhuttl may opt to let Obafemi continue his development elsewhere.

Read more

Blackburn reportedly accept Saints bid for Adam Armstrong

Southampton fans react to reported accepted Adam Armstrong bid

Saints reportedly keen on loan deal for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

His current contract is due to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Obafemi made just four Premier League appearances last season, having struggled with injury, and has not made the impact he did in the 2019-2020 season when he made his breakthrough into the first team.

The 5foot 7’ Dublin-born attacker has represented Republic of Ireland but is yet to hold down a spot, with increased gametime likely to help bring that forward.

He developed through Saints’ academy after joining from Leyton Orient’s youth setup in July 2016.