Genk's Joakim Maehle: 'Southampton wanted me in January'

Genk defender Jaokim Maehle has claimed that Southampton wanted to sign him during the January transfer window.

Recently-appointed boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been in the process of reshaping the club's first-team squad, and right-back Cedric Soares has been allowed to link up with Inter Milan.

Maehle - also a right-sided defender - has impressed during his time in Belgium, and the Denmark Under-21 international has suggested that he was provided with the opportunity to move to the Premier League.

The 21-year-old told Het Belang van Limburg: "I'm not going to say that I wasn't interested. This was a nice proposal from a big club from a top competition but at the same time I have full understanding of Genk's point of view.

"They have also been very clear from the beginning: in this winter market all starters ​​remain on board. I can only respect that. Because let me make it clear: I am still very happy here. I do not grieve but fully focus on the rest of the season. We still have so much to gain."

Maehle currently has less than 18 months remaining on his contract.