MARTIN Caceres could be set to make history by becoming the first-ever Saints player to make his debut at Wembley.

The Daily Echo understands that Saints will sign the former Juventus and Barcelona centre-back once a work permit has been granted and other formalities are concluded.

However, the completion of the 29-year-old free agent’s deal is expected to come too late for him to be involved in Saturday’s Premier League match at Sunderland.

That means the next opportunityto deploy their new man, after the trip to the Stadium of Light, is in the League Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley.

Consequently, Caceres’ first appearance will likely come at the national arena, as Saints aim for their first major silverware in 41 years.

Caceres, who has been without a club since last summer and last played a competitive game a year ago, is due to arrive to bolster Saints’ depleted defensive options.

With talismanic centre-back Virgil van Dijk  injured and Jose Fonte now gone, Claude Puel has been using usual back-up Maya Yoshida and youngster Jack Stephens at the back, with unfit Florin Gardos also making one appearance following two years injured.

The Uruguayan, who has 68 caps for his country and played at the 2014 World Cup, arrived in Southampton on Monday for talks and a medical.

The Daily Echo understands a deal will be done but, with a work permit and other details to confirm, the signing is not yet imminent.

It is likely Caceres will command high wages but, with Puel’s side very short on defensive options, Saints are ready to offer what will likely be a short-term contract to bring in cover.

One of the biggest concerns for Saints will be Caceres’ fitness – the Uruguayan hasn’t played since last February after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon and has a history of injuries.

But it is felt the vastly experienced defender will add much-needed quality to the backline, with Saints on a miserable run of six defeats in seven Premier League games and on the eve of the League Cup final.

Caceres has been available since ending his five-year stay with Italian giant Juventus last June, where he was part of a squad that won five Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia double.

After regaining fitness, following his Achilles tendon injury, the South American attracted interest from numerous clubs – although many clubs were deterred by his £100,000-a-week wage demands.

He was on trial at Crystal Palace last month, but Sam Allardyce chose to sign Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho on loan instead.

West Ham and Sunderland also showed an interest, but it was AC Milan who looked to have signed Caceres recently.

However, after passing a medical, he was unable to agree personal terms.