Saints scouts have been busy in Italy this last few weeks and their target is a promising youngster from the Ivory Coast.
Franck Kessie is the latest name on Saints scouting reports according to various media outlets although Queens Park Rangers are also in the hunt.
Kessie is on loan at Serie B side Cesena from Atalanta and has earned rave reviews as Cesena reached the Serie B play offs, although they were to fall at this hurdle.
Described as able to play in central defence or as a holding midfielder, Kessie has made 32 league starts and scored 4 goals and is highly rated in Italy as well as his home country where he made his full international debut in 2014 still aged only 17.
Saints could be ready to make a move when Kessie qualifies for a work permit in this country although when that could be is unclear.