Moi Elyounoussi has become the forgotten man at St Mary's after his big money move a year ago turned sour, but there could be a way out on the horizon.

Turkish giants Besiktas have made Southampton attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi their priority target for the left side of their attack according to reports in Turkey, he has struggled to make an impact at St Mary's and made just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season, spanning 790 minutes of football.

So far this pre season he has been mainly conspicuous by his absence after playing in the opening friendly against Altach with no other game time or even inclusion in any of the squads.

Whilst the player has made all the right noises about staying and fighting for his place, the reality is that he is right down the pecking order and it is hard to see him getting a place even on the bench barring a massive injury crisis.

The real issue though could be Besiktas's ability to get the deal done, whilst the report states that Saints would want to sign a replacement before letting him go, that is way off the mark, the replacements have already been signed, even if the deal happened after the transfer window closed in England, it is likely that Saints would be happy to let him go and bank the money ready for the next transfer window.

There is likely to be a big loss on the money paid out last summer, but Saints are having to accept their is a price to pay for their mistakes in signing some players, it is all about pruning the squad and banking say £10 million and getting a big wage off the bill would be attractive even though there would be a loss.

Photo: Action Images

PatfromPoole added 23:02 - Aug 4 DEAL!!!!!! £10 million, no way is he worth that much!
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bstokesaint added 23:21 - Aug 4 It’s actually a bit tricky establishing his worth given how little we’ve seen him play. He must have been doing something right before he came to us, but he’s been yet another disappointment and if I was a Besiktas supporter I’d be asking a few questions! I just think some players aren’t up to the challenges of the PL.
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underweststand added 06:33 - Aug 5 He doesn't look a patch on the player he was (with Basle), when he single-handedly butchered Man City in the Champions League a few seasons ago. Have to put this one down to a bad deal alround. If he wants to continue having an international career he has to move on.. regardless.
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ExiledSupporter added 12:53 - Aug 5 Much better to keep Boufal and lose Elyanoussi surely...?
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SaintBrock added 20:07 - Aug 5 Forgotten by whom? He's always in training pics working hard. With Boufal back it is hard to see any future for him here so if an offer comes we should wish I'm good luck. He strikes me as a nice lad who tries really hard and has a nice touch but the pace and physicality of the PL doesn't suit his style.
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