Southampton named among English clubs interested in Blackpool loanee

The 21 year old has long been a known name to football scouts after he drew fame for an early breakthrough at Celtic. 

Attacking midfielder Dembele represented Celtic's under-20s when he was just 13 in 2016 and went on to make his senior debut at 16. 

However, he only made 10 appearances for the Hoops before joining French side Stade Brest on a free transfer in 2022. 

Dembele has been an important part of Blackpool's playoff push and FA Cup run this season with seven goals and 12 assists in 42 outings. 

Karamoko Dembele has scored goals against the likes of Charlton, Peterborough and Shrewsbury this season (Image: PA)

Online football news publication HITC reports that Saints are among four Championship clubs interested in the ball-carrying ace. 

Leicester City, Leeds United and Middlesbrough are also named in addition to suitors from the Premier League.

They add Everton, West Ham, Fulham, Brentford and Wolves are all keeping tabs on the former England youth international. 

“He’s a lovely player to watch,” Blackpool team-mate Owen Dale told the Blackpool Gazette. “He’s a great asset for us to have in the team.

"He gives us a different dimension and likes to pop up in those pockets. He draws defenders over to him which leaves someone else free.”

Saints could be in the market for a new attacking midfielder in the summer should Stuart Armstrong depart at the end of his contract.

Charly Alcaraz, currently on loan at Juventus, could be sold to the highest bidder while Joe Rothwell may return to AFC Bournemouth.