SAINTS ARE SOF TOUCH FOR £20M

SOUTHAMPTON are set to smash their transfer record by signing Lille’s attacking midfielder Sofiane Boufal for £20million. The final fee for the 22-year-old will top the £15m paid for misfit Italian striker Dani Osvaldo three years ago. Boufal (left), capped twice by Morocco, has been on the radar of a number of clubs including Chelsea, Spurs and Juventus. Watford tried to steal a march on their rivals by making a move for him earlier this summer. But Saints have forced their way to the front of the queue and are confident of landing their man, possibly by early next week. Boufal scored 11 goals and made five last season before having knee surgery in May. His arrival is expected to pave the way for Jay Rodriguez to join West Brom on loan.