Lille are reportedly considering making a move to secure the services of Southampton forward Sekou Mara in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 21-year-old moved to St Mary's Stadium at the start of last season for a fee believed to be in the region of £9.5m.
However, the Frenchman has only managed to record three goals and three assists in 43 appearances so far since signing for the Saints.
According to French outlet L'Equipe, Lille have now identified Mara as a potential target for the winter transfer window.
The report adds that Les Dogues are actively searching for a new striker in January, owing in part to the speculation surrounding Canada international Jonathan David's future at the club.
Mara made the switch to Southampton following a six-goal campaign with Bordeaux in Ligue 1 as a teenager but has struggled to establish himself with the club on the south coast of England.
In the current season, Mara has scored only once in 13 games for Southampton and has been limited to just 256 minutes of playing time, with 211 minutes in league competition.
Under Paulo Fonseca, Lille are currently in fifth place in Ligue 1, trailing five points behind third-placed Monaco in the race for the coveted Champions League qualification spots.
Devesh Jaganath
