REPORT: Graziano Pelle set to leave Southampton for China

Graziano Pelle will be the next big name player to be recruited by the Chinese Super League, according to several reports.

After an impressive Euro 2016 with Italy, the Southampton striker had been linked with joining up with outgoing manager Antonio Conte at Chelsea. However, there has been a twist in that tale according to reports in the Guardian and Sky. Both outlets are reporting that Pelle will instead make a £13 m swap to Chinese club Shandong Luneng, which would see the Saints earn a £4m profit on what they splashed out on Pell to snap him up from Feyenoord two years ago. It is understood that he had been eyeing up a move to China since January, which could explain the reasoning behind the Saints signing Charlie Austin from QPR on a £4m deal at that time. Pelle's move might also mean good news for Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long. The Tipperary man may find himself getting more game time with the Italian out of the picture. Should the transfer happen, Long's biggest competition for that first team spot up front will come in the form of Austin and Jay Rodriguez.