Southampton face a battle with Everton for the signing of Ruben Semedo.
According to a report in The Sun the Sporting Lisbon defender is being scouted by both clubs ahead of an expected summer auction.
The 22-year-old has been in outstanding form for Sporting who have one of the most highly respected academy set up’s in the game.
Jose Fonte’s transfer to West Ham followed by an ankle injury to Virgil van Dijk exposed Saints lack of options at the back with Semedo viewed as an ideal addition and replacement for Fonte.
Former Saints boss Ronald Koeman has expressed his interest in van Dijk but Semedo is a more realistic target with Chelsea and Manchester City also keen on the former Celtic defender.
AC Milan have also been linked with the Sporting defender but with the money available in the Premier League it looks likely that Semedo will be heading to England in the summer.