Reports coming out of Ireland are suggesting that Saints have a bid on the table for Romeo Akachukwu of Waterford, but they are facing competition from Manchester City, Newcastle and Arsenal for his signature.

The Irish Independent have reported that Southampton have made a bid for 17 year old Romeo Akachukwu which if accepted would be a record for a player transferred from a League Of Ireland club, that still stands at the €500,000 Sunderland paid Cork City for Roy O’Donovan in 2007 and is also up on the €450,000 Shamrock Rovers got from Manchester City for now Southampton keeper Gavin Bazunu, though this sum was increased due to certain criteria being met including international caps.

Ackachukwu has been played as a striker for Waterford but can also play in the centre of midfield and last month scored a hat trick in the League of Ireland First Division play off quarter finals as Waterford defeated Athlone.

Saints face competition from Manchester City, Newcastle and Arsenal, but thee clubs seem to be offering him only a place in their academy, whilst Southampton are said to be talking about integrating him into their first team squad and a chance of first team football, something that he would be unlikely to get near at either of the other three clubs.

If the deal is accepted then Ackachukwu would initially sign a pre contract deal, as under League Of Ireland Rules he cannot complete a transfer to the UK until he turns 18 in July.

That means that Waterford would more than likely be keen to hang on to him for the time being and hope that his price will increase in a bidding war.

Saints are also said to be interested in St Patrick Athletics midfielder Adam Murphy, the 18 year old made 29 appearances in the League Of Ireland Premier Division last season ( The Irish league runs from February to November) and would be available in January.

Photo: Action Images

Bowlercow added 14:12 - Nov 15 Was it Matt Crocker who signed 4 or 5 young Irish players about 6 years ago? I am struggling to think of any who have broke through except Smallbone It may be that they are still in the academy in the 17s or 18s
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