Southampton register transfer interest in Chelsea player - he had £22m move fall through in the summer | OneFootball

Tyrique George is of interest to the Saints as they push for promotion back to the top flight

Southampton are among the clubs eyeing a deal for Chelsea youngster Tyrique George ahead of the January transfer window.

According to TEAMtalk, the 19-year-old is prepared to make the move away from Stamford Bridge following his struggles to earn regular game-time under Enzo Maresca.

The forward has made four appearances in the Premier League so far this season, as well as four in the Champions League, where he even scored in a 5-1 win against Ajax.

However, he could now be set for a departure from the west London outfit, having come through the club’s academy system before earning his chance in Maresca’s first-team squad.

George has a contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2027, but his future with the Club World Cup champions is now uncertain going into the new year.

Southampton eyeing Tyrique George transfer - Premier League competition is swirling though

Southampton are reportedly hoping to convince George to take the step down to the Championship as Tonda Eckert seeks reinforcements to his first-team squad that are currently in fine order.

However, the Saints are not the only ones casting an eye on the teenager, with the likes of Leeds United and Everton also mentioned as possible destinations this winter.

It’s believed that the winger’s preferred option of playing on the left flank could prove a stumbling block though for some clubs, including Leeds who already have the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Noah Okafor competing for minutes in that position, along with Daniel Farke’s recent change to a 3-5-2 formation that is seemingly working.

That could put Southampton low down the pecking order too, with Eckert utilising a 3-4-2-1 formation currently, which sees Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza operating as duel number 10s.

It remains to be seen what the potential cost of a deal could be, but it was reported last summer that Fulham agreed a deal with Chelsea worth £22 million for the player, only for it to collapse before the deadline.

Southampton currently sit ninth in the Championship table, and it’s unclear whether they’d be willing to spend that kind of money on a player amid their fight for promotion - a loan deal could be more suitable though for all parties.

Tyrique George transfer could be difficult for Southampton

George has shown a lot of potential at Chelsea, and there’s no doubt he could be a very valuable addition to a team like Southampton.

However, it’s unclear whether he’d be willing to step down to the Championship, and it’s hard to imagine he’d turn down Premier League opportunities to do so.

The £22 million figure agreed in the summer also sets the bar quite high for how expensive a January move could be, especially now that he also has Champions League experience under his belt, but of course a loan deal could be a more sensible agreement for all parties - especially if Chelsea see some potential in him still.