Southampton have joined Arsenal and Liverpool in the transfer battle to sign Charlton forward Ademola Lookman, News Shopper understands.

Exciting youngster Lookman has attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs since breaking into the Addicks’ first-team in November.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are among several top flight clubs who are said to have sent scouts to track the 18-year-old’s progress at the Valley this season.

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However, there is stiff competition to secure Lookman’s services and sources at St Mary’s say that the club sent their chief scout to Turf Moor on Saturday to watch the forward in action against Burnley.

The club official was left “disappointed” as Lookman, who was still playing Sunday league football last year, missed the fixture with a hamstring injury sustained in last week’s 2-2 draw against Bolton.

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Despite failing to catch a glimpse of Lookman, who has scored three goals in his last three appearances, the Saints are still plotting a move for when the transfer window opens next month.

Southampton have failed to live up to last season’s heroics so far this term, and manager Ronald Koeman is believed to be hoping to bolster his attacking options in the January window.

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