A DEAL to bring Genk striker Paul Onuachu to Saints is ’99 per cent’ agreed, the Daily Echo understands.

Saints have been in talks with the Belgian title challengers over a permanent deal for their six-foot six-inch tall Nigerian international striker.

Onuachu has scored 16 goals in 19 league games for Genk so far this season after a move to the Premier League fell through in the summer.

They now appear to have their breakthrough with a fee of 18million Euros with an additional three million in add-ons all-but agreed upon.

Sources close to Onuachu have been keen to stress to the Daily Echo how difficult the process has been, with work under way all day to make a move happen.

Onuachu wants to play top-flight football in England but it has been about convincing Genk to let their top-scorer leave with a suitable financial package.

Saints have until 11PM to submit a deal sheet or complete the transfer to make Onuachu their player.

Nathan Jones had been looking to add more height and power to his team, with Onuachu bolstering their number nine options significantly.

They could still add Stade Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, who has been valued at up to £25million ahead of the deadline closing today.

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