TRABZONSPOR boss Faith Tekke said his club president wants to sign Saints striker Paul Onuachu, who could depart St Mary's this summer.

Onuachu, 30, finished as Southampton's top scorer this season despite only playing just over 1,000 minutes, with four Premier League goals.

Saints rejected transfer offers worth up to £5million from Trabzonspor last summer, after he scored 17 goals in 23 matches on loan there.

The Turkish side are set to reignite their interest in Onuachu when the transfer window opens with Tekke telling local media of their interest. 

He said: “Onuachu is a player I like, a player Trabzonspor fans like, a player who fits our play style. The president also wants him; I hope it happens.”

Paul Onuachu scored four Premier League goals this seasonPaul Onuachu scored four Premier League goals this season (Image: PA)

Onuachu signed for Saints in a deal worth around £15million in January 2023 but only established himself as a regular player under Ivan Juric.

He has battled a persistent ankle injury this campaign and his managers have admitted he struggles to play week-in week-out at his top level.

As a result, Saints could cash in ahead of a physically taxing Championship season, with Onuachu into the last year of his contract at St Mary's.

He retains interest from clubs due to his prowess in front of goal, hitting 83 in league competition since the start of the 2020/21 season.

Onuachu made 25 Premier League appearances this campaign, in addition to three appearances in the club's domestic cup competitions.