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According to the printed version of L'Equipe, via Foot Mercato, Southampton striker Sofiane Boufal is interesting Marseille after a difficult time on the south coast.

What's the deal, then?

The Moroccan spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo after he had a bust up with former Saints boss Mark Hughes and subsequently fell out of favour.

But he struggled to make an impact in Spain as he scored just three goals in 35 La Liga appearances in what has to be deemed an unsuccessful spell.

On top of that, Boufal's future was called into question when new boss Ralph Hasenhuttl decided to purchase forward Moussa Djenepo earlier this month.

And now L'Equipe believe Marseille are interested in the 25-year-old despite the fact that they have had to sell players to try and balance the books and ensure they are not in breach of financial fair play regulations.

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Marseille's situation means Saints will have to take a loss on Boufal

Given the situation Marseille are reportedly in when it comes to their delicately positioned financial situation, it would seem unlikely those in charge at St Mary's will be able to claim back the full £16million they paid for him from fellow French side Lille back in 2016.

It is safe to assume they would have had to take a hit on Boufal's price tag anyway given he has scored just four goals in a staggering 59 appearances for the Premier League side.

And that reduced figure may have to be lowered even further if they are to ensure he is removed from the wage bill because of the supposed financial strain that Marseille are competing with.

It is a tricky situation for Saints because L'OM will drive a hard price given their predicament, while Hasenhuttl's men want to generate further funds themselves by being open to offers for players like the Moroccan, as per The Telegraph.

Southampton's new man Moussa Djenepo divides opinion amongst fans in the video below...

But when it comes to the Moroccan, going back to Ligue 1 - the division where he managed double figures in a season for the only time in his career to date - is a step he must take to try and resurrect his career.