'As far as I know' - Southampton boss insists Trabzonspor target Onuachu has not handed in transfer request 

Southampton boss Russell Martin has insisted that Paul Onuachu is not trying to force a move out of the club following the uncertainty regarding his future.

The lanky striker's association with the Saints is highly likely to come to an end this summer, with Trabzonspor and Al-Okhdood interested in grabbing his signature.

Onuachu was on loan with Trabzonspor last term where he rediscovered his goalscoring form and reportedly favours joining the Süper Lig outfit over the Saudi Pro-League side with personal terms agreed between him and the Turkish side.

But The Black Sea Storm are struggling to strike a deal with the Saints which has left the door open for the possibility of the Nigerian striker to join another club or even stay at St.Mary's.

The 30-year-old has resumed pre-season training but is yet to be fit enough, thus the reason he has been unable to feature in any pre-season fixture.

A recent report from Turkey indicated that Onuachu had submitted a transfer request to facilitate his move back to Trabzonspor.

Martin told the Daily Echo (subscription required) : "We've had one bid for Paul and it was nowhere near the valuation of the club. 

"Paul's been great. He's trained really well and we've had a good chat. He's been really honest with me. I've been really honest with him." 

He continued: "There's been no transfer request as far as I know. If I get told anything different, I'll tell you.

"But so far no. He's training hard, you've probably seen that yourself. He's not ready to play yet. He's only been back since Sunday so we'll have to wait and see." 

Southampton just lost the services of Ché Adams to Torino and it remains to be seen whether the plan to replace the Scottish forward includes giving Onuachu one more chance at the club.

After facing Montpellier today, the newly promoted Premier League side still have friendly games against Oxford United, Millwall, Lazio and Getafe before facing Newcastle United in their opening fixture for the new Premier League season.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com