Petar Ratkov ‘turned down’ Southampton as Eckert backs Mubama and Larin amid Paul Onuachu parallels | OneFootball

Tonda Eckert has indicated Southampton already have their two main strikers in mind, with Divin Mubama set to back up Cyle Larin as they visit Watford on the Championship’s opening day.

Alfredo Pedulla reports that Lazio forward Petar Ratkov recently turned down a move to St Mary’s. Mubama’s arrival could prompt departures among reserve forwards, with Eckert keen on the mix of the 21-year-old’s youth and Larin’s experience.

Southampton had also been linked with AFC Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison, who attracted Birmingham City too, but he has chosen to stay with the Cherries. The club instead focused on securing the highly rated Premier League youngster on a short-term loan.

Ratkov has also rejected Dynamo Moscow in recent weeks and has been characterised as a classic target man. Such a profile invited parallels with Paul Onuachu, whose imposing frame did not translate into goals on the South Coast.

Onuachu managed only four goals in 40 Southampton appearances after an £18m move, despite arriving from Genk with a fearsome scoring record. He is 6-foot-7, while Ratkov is listed at 6-foot-4.

Ratkov has 47 career goals but none in eight games for Lazio, and Dynamo Moscow reportedly bid £12.8m for him. Mubama’s short-term deal looks the lower-risk play alongside Larin, and he could mirror Ross Stewart’s impact, five Championship goals for Stoke last season despite injuries.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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