Southampton edge closer to Gabbiadini signing

Premier League side Southampton are reported to have agreed on a transfer sum to sign Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini. The Italy international was previously a target for both Everton and Leicester City.

According to Sky Sports News, the Saints have finalized a package for the striker's transfer after having initially stalled over negotiations over the player.

Claude Puel's side will pay an initial £14.5m for the 25-year-old with an additional £2.5m set to be settled in add-ons.

Southampton have since a recent slump in form in the top flight, and Gabbiadini is likely to provide the much-needed boost up front with Charlie Austin sidelined until mid-March with a shoulder problem.

Gabbiadini was initially reluctant to leave Napoli this month, but it appears that his lack of first-team opportunities eventually convinced him to make the move to St.Mary's.