.MAYUKA

By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –

SOUTHAMPTON striker Emmanuel Mayuka is reportedly set to join English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season long loan deal.
The Chipolopolo striker, who scored his first goal for Southampton in a 5-1 victory over Barnsley in the Capital One Cup last year, spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Sochaux.
According to the United Kingdom Express and Star Newspaper, Wolves manager Kenny Jackett has identified the Zambia international, 23, as an option to bolster the attacking ranks at Molineux and Wolves’ Championship promotion push.
Jackett’s move comes after Wolves failed to land any of their targets so far during the transfer window.
“If we’re looking at a squad of 20 players you want it as strong as possible. Everyone is fit and available at the moment but realism tells me it won’t always be the case. To have as many good players out of the team as in it is your objective as head coach,” Jackett told the club website.
Mayuka is yet to make a start in the premiership this season under new coach Ronald Koeman and has made the team twice so far as an unused substitute including in last Saturday’s 4-0 win over Newcastle.
He joined Southampton from Swiss club Young Boys in August, 2012 on a £3 million five year deal.
Mayuka has failed to score in his 11 Premier League appearances for the Saints, 10 of which he came off the bench.
He managed 10 in 35 outings for Young Boys before his switch to the south coast and spent last season on loan at French club Sochaux, scoring four times in 13 starts, plus another eight appearances off the bench.
Meanwhile, Mayuka has admitted on his facebook page that he has to step up his game with the fine form Italian forward Graziano Pelle was enjoying at Southampton.
“I must say that (my) fellow striker Pellè is doing very well, but I’m patient, and when I’m given my chance, I’ll take it. On my side, I’m still working hard to be ready when the Manager gives me a chance,” Mayuka wrote.
Pelle has scored three goals from four games in his first season at Southampton since his summer move from Feyenoord.