Wigan Athletic midfielder, Nick Powell, has been creating a lot of buzz in League One and is likely to make a return to the Premier League or Championship. Powell has smashed in 11 goals in 23 league games for the Latics so far this season and due to his fine run of form, he is attracting interest from elsewhere.
With Premier League outfits desperate to make additions to beef up their side in the ongoing transfer window, Powell has emerged as one of the most sought-after aspects. As per one of the latest reports by The Bristol Post, Southampton have placed the 23-year-old on their radar and are keen to prise him out of the DW Stadium. However, they are expected to face stiff competition from the likes of Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.
Under the tutelage of Paul Cook, Wigan Athletic have been superb in League Two. They have lost just 3 league games and are currently at the top of English third division table with 57 points to their name from 26 games. For the Tics, Powell has been an asset who has shown tremendous voracity and hunger and has certainly made his presence felt.
Powell emerged through the youth ranks of Crewe Alexandra and after making an impact post his promotion to their senior side, he was signed by Manchester United in the summer of 2012. Owing to the congestion in the overcrowded midfield of the Red Devils, he was shipped out on loan to Wigan Athletic, Leicester City and Hull City.
Eventually, he joined Wigan Athletic on a free transfer in the summer of 2016. Southampton are one point above the relegation zone and they would certainly need some additions this month to keep their Premier League status intact. The Saints have been sluggish in the middle more often than not and there hasn’t been a great deal of creativity coming from their attacking midfielders.
Powell would be a decent addition for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side, for he is a talented midfielder who is good in the air, holds the ball really well and is someone who would contribute to the defensive needs of his side considerably. The Englishman creates chances, scores goals and has the requisite pace.
Having said that, the step up from the lower leagues to the Premier League isn’t easy, so it’s unlikely he’ll hit the ground running if the club manage to sign him. For a fee of 1.5 million pounds, he could be a bargain though.
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