Lokomotiv Moscow striker Tino Anjorin, on loan from Chelsea, has reportedly emerged as a surprise target for Southampton this month.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Tino Anjorin is the subject of interest from Southampton over a possible move in the ongoing transfer window. The Saints are plotting an eleventh-hour move for the Chelsea loanee, even though he is supposed to spend the entire 2021/22 season at Lokomotiv Moscow.
Tino Anjorin joined Chelsea as a seven-year-old in 2008 and made swift progress through the ranks at the west London club. But first-team opportunities have evaded the 20-year-old, who has only made a handful of appearances for the Blues since making his senior bow in September 2019.
The youngster was offered the opportunity to seek much-needed first-team experience by joining Lokomotiv Moscow last summer. But the Chelsea loanee has only been used sparingly at the Russian club, managing only 293 minutes of game-time across nine appearances.
The Russian season is on a break until the end of February, and Anjorin is back at Chelsea recovering from a minor injury. But the 20-year-old’s stay in England could be extended, with Southampton keen on signing him permanently before Monday’s transfer deadline for the January window.
While Anjorin is due to return to Lokomotiv Moscow for the second half of the 2021/22 season, his loan stint could be shortened due to the terms of the agreement that allows the loan to be ended midway through the season if deemed suitable by all parties. And amid interest from Southampton, Chelsea could be given the opportunity to cash in on the 20-year-old loanee.
Southampton and Chelsea share a healthy working relationship, which has grown stronger since last summer. The Saints signed Tino Livramento and Dynel Simeu from their fellow Premier League club, while Armando Broja joined them on loan for the 2021/22 season. The club is also keen on signing Broja permanently, with a £25 million bid reportedly being prepared.
Tino Anjorin could become the latest Chelsea player to join Southampton if the Saints have their way. But with time running out, the Premier League outfit will need to submit a bid quickly to seal an eleventh-hour move. Otherwise, the 20-year-old forward will be poised to end the season with Lokomotiv Moscow, although Southampton could return with an offer in the summer.
