Southampton agree deal to sign Sekou Mara from Bordeaux

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Southampton agree deal to sign Sekou Mara from Bordeaux

Southampton have agreed a deal to sign young forward Sekou Mara from Bordeaux.

Mara broke into the first team in southern France last season, netting six times and assisting two more in 27 appearances.

Despite his contributions, Bordeaux finished bottom of the pile in Ligue 1 and are currently in serious economic trouble. After dropping down to Ligue 2, the club were then relegated again to the third tier due to financial regularities, and the threat of liquidation remains.

However, Southampton may have offered them a lifeline by signing one of their brightest prospects.

"Agreement in principle with for the transfer of Sekou Mara. The striker will join England in order to pass his medical examination and sign his contract," a club statement read.

Sources have indicated that Saints have agreed to sign Mara for in a deal worth around €15m, and are now finalising personal terms.

Both Newcastle and Everton had been seriously interested in signing the 19-year-old, making this a bit of a coup for the south-coast side.

Provided there are no last-minute surprises, Mara will become Saints' sixth arrival of the transfer window.

Southampton have already signed Man City youngsters Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia, as well as moving for Armel Bella-Kotchap, Joe Aribo and Mateusz Lis.

Fraser Forster and Shane Long are among those who have moved in the other direction.