Southampton and Newcastle join Sandro Ramirez chase

Premier League outfit Southampton and top-flight bound Newcastle United have joined the race for Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez, according to Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness).

The 21-year-old has had a stellar year for the La Liga outfit, scoring 13 goals and laying on two assists in just 27 league appearances, including four in his last three matches.

There’s little doubt that his goals and overall contributions have helped Malaga beat the La Liga drop this season, and it’s just as unsurprisingly that his stunning season at the club has attracted interest across continental Europe.

Yesterday, it was reported that Everton were one English club eyeing up a move for the Spain Under-21 international, and today Claude Puel’s Southampton and Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle have reportedly joined the pursuit for one of the most in-form forwards in Europe.

Puel’s Saints have struggled in front of goal this season, netting just 39 times in the Premier League, so could really do with strengthening their forward options this summer, while Benitez’s Newcastle achieved promotion from the Championship last month, and know that they’ll need to bolster their striking department if they are to be competitive in the top-flight next term.

And with Sandro reportedly having a €6 million release clause in his contract, neither side will have to break the bank to land the 21-year-old, yet could in turn receive a talented forward who could take their club to the next level in the years to come.

However, it’s not just English clubs who are monitoring Sandro’s situation at Malaga, fellow La Liga outfits Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, and Villarreal are also thought to be interested in the forward, which looks set to spark a Europe-wide pursuit for the 21-year-old this summer.