Southampton have now slashed their asking price for Mohamed Elyounoussi to just £5m, according to reports in the UK.

The Norwegian international, who has scored 13 goals during his loan spell with Celtic this campaign, was valued at close to £10m by the Saints last summer but they have now decided to lower their demands.

Whether the Hoops will be interested in taking Elyounoussi on a permanent basis at the end of the season may depend on a number of different factors.

The future of manager Neil Lennon will certainly come into consideration as his potential successor may have different transfer targets.

There will also be question marks over whether spending £5m on Elyounoussi would be worthwhile. Celtic could well find better value for money elsewhere, considering the deflated prices in the transfer market.

A decision on the 26-year-old’s future is unlikely to be made before May when the club’s plans will become clearer.