Saints are said to be locked in a battle with Championship side Preston North End and League One's Leicester City for a central midfielder from Crystal Palace, a likely replacement for Shea Charles.

The player in question according to The Lancashire Evening Post is Justin Devenny who although born in Scotland is a full International for Northern Ireland.

The 22 year old started his career at Kilmarnock before joining Airdrieonians which them led to Palace signing him in the summer of 2023.

Devenny has one year remaining on his contract with Palace. He started in 7 Premier League games in 2025/26 and was came off the bench in a further 14 matches.

That is a similar number that he played in the previous season, but whereas in 2024/25 he ended the season strongly, last term he found himself rarely used after January, more often than not an unused sub.

Speaking last month, he aired his ambition to impress new Eagles boss, Pierre Sage, but also get more game time.

“It is a fresh start when I get back so I will be looking to kick on and do well. With every season, every game throughout my career, it has progressed pretty quickly, but I’ve been in and out, getting minutes here and there.

“My intentions will be going back for pre-season and really just hitting the ground running and trying my best and keep working hard. You never know, because things change a lot in football and they change quick.

“I just need to keep focusing on myself, work hard. It’s almost a fresh start for everyone when we get back and it just brings opportunities. I want to be playing week-in, week-out, and hopefully I’ll do that.”

However with just a year left on his contract it remains to be seen whether he will get that chance or whether Palace will want to move him on.

Preston are said to be looking to take him on a years loan, but that may not be to Palace's liking.

They might prefer to get a fee for him now and if so then Southampton & Leicester might be their best bet.

So what would that fee be ?

The report suggests around £5 million, which sounds about right for a player about to turn 23 and with 44 Premier League games to his name as well as various cup games including the Europa Conference League.

Although he was an unused sub in Palace's FA Cup final win in May 2025, as well as the Conference League final a few months ago.

Looking at his CV it would seem that a spell in the Championship might well be the next step for him if he wants to get regular first team football for the coming season

Via Reuters