Southampton make move to sign Man United star Amad Diallo

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

7th Jul, 2023 | 12:03pm

Sources: Southampton make move to sign Man United star Amad Diallo

Southampton have made contact with Man United about the possibility of loaning winger Amad Diallo for the 2023-24 campaign, sources have told Football Insider.

New Saints boss Russell Martin is a huge admirer of the 20-year-old and sees him as someone who can fire his side to an immediate Premier League return.

Diallo reported for pre-season training at Man United’s Carrington base on Thursday (6 July) ahead of their first friendly against Leeds United next week (12 July).

The Ivory Coast international spent last season on loan at Sunderland as they reached the playoff semi-finals.

He managed 14 goals and four assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for the Black Cats.

Diallo primarily plays on the right wing but can also star on the left, in an attacking midfield role and lead the line.

The 20-year-old, who joined Man United for a reported potential fee of £37million in 2021, is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2025.

He has played nine times for the Red Devils so far, but was sent out on loan to Rangers in January 2022 after struggling to make an impact for the Premier League giants.

The former Atalanta star also failed to make his mark at Ibrox, notching just three goals in 13 appearances under then-boss Giovani van Bronckhorst.

Diallo made his senior international bow in 2021 but has amassed just four caps having been only recently restored to the Ivory Coast side after a long absence.

Man United have added further competition for places in attacking areas with the big-money signing of Mason Mount this summer.

Alejandro Garnacho has also been handed a new long-term contract after impressing since emerging from the youth ranks.

Southampton will play Championship football next term after finishing bottom of the Premier League in the 2022-23 campaign.

In other news, top target says “yes” to Man United as deal all but done.