SAINTS have reportedly had a bid accepted by Bordeaux for attacker Sekou Mara.

Reports in France claim an initial 11million Euro offer was submitted for the 19-year-old attacker, who scored six goals in 26 Ligue 1 games last season as Bordeaux finished bottom of the table.

According to French outlet 20Minutes, the teenager will sign a five-year deal at St Mary’s.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted during the club’s pre-season tour of Austria his side were still on the lookout to bolster their striking options.

The south coast side saw Armando Broja return to parent club Chelsea at the end of last season following a loan spell. Shane Long’s contract expired.

When asked how ready Saints were for the new season, Hasenhuttl told Saints’ website: “At first I think we still have to bring some players in, we know this.

“Especially the position up front, for example, where we lost players.

“Everybody knows that we really need to do something there, and the earlier they come the better it is, because the better you can implement them in the team.

“But from for us, I think so far we could work quite good with the team, and now the games are coming up and this is the final preparation for a tough season.”

Hasenhuttl then quipped after being asked if signing a striker was the hardest piece of recruitment: “When you say hardest, with the most expensive one, then yes.”

Mara joined the academy system at Bordeaux in 2017. He has been part of the France age-group setup from under-16s to under-21 level.

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