Mara ready to strike hot for Southampton after signing from Bordeaux

Sekou Mara is hoping to make an instant impact at Southampton after completing his move from Bordeaux. 

The France Under-21 international has signed a four-year deal at St Mary s and is rumoured to have cost £11million (€12.9m) when including add-ons.

Mara made 34 appearances for Bordeaux in Ligue 1 – just 10 of those being starts – and scored five of his seven goals in his final seven outings for the French side.

Ça va, ?

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC)

He is Southampton s sixth signing of the window and the Paris Saint-Germain youth product, who turns 20 on Sunday, believes the club will provide the perfect place for him to further his career.

I m really happy to sign for Southampton and to be a Saint for the next years, …

Praet denies agreeing deal to join Juventus

Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet has denied reaching an agreement to join Juventus at the end of the season.

Reports in Italy last week suggested the Serie A champions have struck a deal to sign the 23-year-old this year for less than his release clause, which is said to be €25million.

Praet has not denied that Juve have shown interest but insists nothing has been finalised when it comes to his future.

Yes, but it wasn t like they wrote, that everything is done, he told Tuttosport when asked about the Juve reports.

The interest of Juventus is pleasing but they re just words for now. I m very happy here, even though things have gone less well in recent times.

Praet joined from Anderlecht in 2016 for a reported fee of €10m and his performanc…