SOUTHAMPTON are heavily linked with a loan move for Benfica's Serbian international midfielder Filip Djuricic.

The 22-year-old, who has been on loan at Bundesliga side Mainz, is reported by the Mail to be heading to St Mary's with his representatives prepared to cancel his German deal to push through a move to England.

Djuricic, who can play as a forward, midfielder, or left winger, is reported to have been convinced on a move to the south coast by his Serbia team mate, Saints star Dusan Tadic.

Djuricic played for Eredivisie side Heerenveen before moving to Benfica two years ago for £4.5million.

His five-year deal was installed with a £32m minimum release clause.