CELTA Vigo are interested in signing Sofiane Bourfal on a permanent deal – but not for £13 million.
Boufal spent last season on loan with the Spanish club, where he made 37 appearances and scored three goals.
A report from Spanish media outlet Fara de Vigo claims that the La Liga club view Boufal as a “second option” due to them not being able to afford the agreed £13 million fee.
The Moroccan international topped Spain's most completed take-ons throughout the season, beating Lionel Messi.
This style of play endeared him to the Vigo crowd, but there was still a lack of end product.
Another reported stumbling block for the Spanish side is that they will be unable to afford his weekly wages due to their financial situation.
During his time at Saints, Boufal showed moments of brilliance, but these were few and far between.
He is expected to return to the south coast this summer to embark on a pre-season under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
During a fans' forum in January, former Saints chairman Ralph Krueger confirmed that Hasenhuttl would take a closer look at Boufal.
And given that the Austrian has managed to get the best out of his players over the last six months, there is every chance he could galvanise the 25-year-old.
Boufal was joined at Celta Vigo by Saints defender Wesley Hoedt.
Hoedt signed a short-term loan deal with the club back in January after Hasenhuttl decided he wouldn't be in his plans.
However, it hasn't quite worked out in Spain for the former Lazio defender.
The 25-year-old was sent off on his debut and managed only 10 appearances during a dismal spell.
Celta Vigo only managed one win with Hoedt in the side, which came from a remarkable comeback against Villarreal. Like Boufal, Hoedt will return to Saints in the summer.
But considering Hasenhuttl made his mind up fairly quickly about the defender's credentials, it's very likely that he will be one of the players sold this summer.
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