Southampton and Stoke go head-to-head over £7m-rated Gabon international

Southampton and Stoke City are both reportedly interested in signing Gabon international Didier N’Dong during the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

The Premier League duo, who sit tenth and seventh in the current standings respectively, have both been linked with moves for the Lorient defensive midfielder this month.

The 21-year-old, who has 18 international caps for his country, has scored two goals in 23 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit this season.

He has been identified as an alternative target to FC Porto’s £20m-rated Giannelli Imbula during the January transfer window, although Lorient will still want around £7m for N’Dong’s services.