AS reported in Friday’s Express Sport, Premier League newcomers Southampton have upped the ante in the chase for Jay Rodriguez with an offer that would break Burnley’s transfer record.
The Saints, who have long courted the 22-year-old frontman, failing with a £5m offer last summer, have had a £7m bid accepted, that would beat the £6.5m the club received for Steven Fletcher from Wolves two years ago.
The club had an £8m prize tag on his head, and Southampton are the closest to matching it so far, with Championship rivals Cardiff City having last week expressed a firm interest in the England Under 21 cap, who netted 21 goals last season, despite missing nine of the last 11 games.
The Bluebirds were reported to have offered £5.5m bid for Rodriguez last Wednesday, while Fulham have already failed with a £5m offer.
Everton, Newcastle, Reading, Norwich and Aston Villa have also been linked with the homegrown star, while newly-promoted West Ham were reported to have an interest - although they appear to have been scared off by the asking price.
Rodriguez is currently away on holiday and no talks have been held with the Saints over personal terms, so the move has still some way to go to be completed - and it remains to be seen whether he wishes to join the south coast club.
Rodriguez still has a year left on his Burnley deal, although he would command a fee via a tribunal should he stay at the club to the end of the forthcoming season, providing he moved domestically.
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