Ronald Koeman keen on securing John Guidetti signature

Southampton, 11/8 for a top four finish, are ready to bolster their hopes of securing a Champions League spot this season with the signing of Manchester City forward John Guidetti.

The Swedish striker is currently on loan with Scottish league champions Celtic and is reportedly reluctant to commit to a long-term deal in Glasgow.

Guidetti played under Saints boss Ronald Koeman during his time at Dutch side Feyenoord, where he netted 20 goals in just 23 appearances.

The 22-year-old Swede has spent the first half of this current campaign on loan at the Glasgow giants and, after striking 11 times in 18 outings, Ronny Deila’s side initially agreed to sign him on a permanent basis for an apparent fee of £2m.

However, Koeman has been given a boost in the pursuit of his former Feyenoord frontman, after the City centre forward stalled on a move to Scotland.

Koeman’s high-flying Saints have had a sensational season, climbing into the top four of the Premier League table, despite losing a host of star names to domestic rivals last summer. The Dutchman is keen to bolster his attacking options for the remainder of this campaign, with last season’s top scorer Jay Rodgriguez still fighting his way back to full fitness after a long lay-off with serious knee trouble.

Most of the goal burden has fallen upon star striker Graziano Pelle this season, with Irishman Shane Long and 19-year-old Sam Gallagher also at Koeman’s disposal. Winger Eijero Elia has been utilised in a more central attacking role as well, showing a real need for reinforcements at St Mary’s.

Celtic’s on-loan attacker has proved to be an important figure in Deila’s team, with three of the super Swede’s strikes securing a victory and three points for the Scottish side.

Although, with a reluctance to commit his future to the Bhoys, Guidetti could be snapped up by former coach Koeman as Southampton aim to remain in a Champions League place for the rest of the season.