Southampton have made a £15.5m bid for Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini who is also on Everton’s wanted list.
According to a report on TalkSport Southampton have stolen a march on their old boss Ronald Koeman by putting cash on the table for the 26-year-old who has also played for Sampdoria and Bologna.
Charlie Austin’s recent injury has highlighted the need for fresh striking options at St Mary’s with the move for Gabbiadini aimed at getting a quick decision.
Koeman is almost as keen to bring in goalscorers with the Everton boss well aware of his side’s reliance on Romelu Lukaku.
Gabbiadini has only scored twice this season but is highly regarded for his work rate and ability to bring others into play.
Wolfsborg have also been credited with an interest but are unlikely to be able to match the wagres on offer in England with Southampton first out the traps with a bid for the Napoli striker.