Southampton’s bid to sign Vitinha has ended in disappointment after the Braga striker opted to join Ligue 1 side Marseille.
The player is now heading to France to finalize the deal.
Southampton were prepared to meet Vitinha’s release clause – more than £26m – which would make him a club record signing.
Saints manager Nathan Jones said on several occasions last week that they wanted to “add strength” to their attack.
The club’s pursuit of a striker has failed to land their target since last summer and the search appears to be on its last days.
Southampton are interested in signing Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, who has scored 69 goals in 160 games for the French club.
Suleman chose the Saints instead of Everton
Southampton have agreed a deal worth £22m (€25m) plus bonuses to sign winger Kamaldin Suleiman from Rennes.
The deal is £22m more than the club record signing of Danny Ings from Liverpool in 2019.
The player had interest from other clubs including Everton.
Follow the January transfer window on Sky Sports
Who is traveling this summer? The January transfer window closes. 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
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