MICHAEL OBAFEMI is emerging as a key part of a possible Southampton swap deal with Blackburn’s Adam Armstrong.
Republic of Ireland hotshot Obafemi is fancied by Rovers boss Tony Mowbray — and that may be an ace card for Saints.
Goal machine Armstrong is valued at £25million by Blackburn and that is far more than Southampton are willing to pay, with an opening suggestion of around £8m.
However, if Obafemi, 21, is put in the deal with extra cash then the move may yet have a chance of going through.
Mowbray knows he cannot lose top-scorer Armstrong, 24, without a replacement as he is also in the last year of his contract and trying to stay in the job.
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Hotshot Armstrong has enjoyed a phenomenal season in front of goal for Rovers netting 28 goals and providing five assists in 40 Championship games.
The Newcastle born-striker has also been linked with the Toons and West Ham who were reportedly believed to be keen on the player.
And, the forward’s style of play has reportedly likened to that of Danny Ings who is thought to be eyeing a move to a club playing Champions League football.
Obafemi, who began his career as a Leyton Orient youth player at 16, has entered the last year of his contract with the Saints.
The Dublin-born striker has been limited to nine appearances for the Saints across all competitions last season due to battles with injury.
This includes four games with Southampton’s reserve side.
Obafemi underwent surgery to repair a leg muscle problem which put the kibosh on January loan move to Swansea.
However the forward, who has fallen down the pecking order at St Mary’s made a return to training with the club in April.
