Southampton have taken a shine to Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury, reports say.
The Saints are searching for a destroyer in the centre of the park to fill the gap left by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who joined Tottenham this summer.
And the Telegraph report that Choudhury is on their radar.
However, it seems unlikely that City would let him go, even if they are well-stocked for defensive midfield options.
Wilfred Ndidi is City’s first-choice in the deep-lying position, while Choudhury and Papy Mendy are the deputies, the latter signing a new three-year contract this summer.
Dennis Praet can also take on the defensive role if needs be.
Choudhury was linked with a loan switch to Newcastle in January but manager Brendan Rodgers was quick to shoot down suggestions the 22-year-old would leave.
“We don’t want to weaken our squad,” Rodgers said, when questioned on a potential loan departure for Choudhury. “That’s important for us in this window.”
Choudhury played 29 games in all competitions for City last season, scoring his maiden goal for the club in a 3-0 win at Newcastle on New Year’s Day.
He signed a new contract with the club in August 2019, committing his future to the King Power Stadium until 2023.
