Saints could wrap up their second summer signing by the end of week.
The club are closing in on a £3.5m deal for right back Cedric Soares.
The 23-year-old, a Portuguese international colleague of Saints captain Jose Fonte, is in the final year of his contract at Sporting Lisbon, and has indicated he will not sign a new one, meaning he is available for a knockdown fee.
Stoke were close to agreeing a deal before Saints stepped up their interest.
The Daily Echo understands that an announcement today is unlikely, but that Soares should tie up a deal to move to St Mary’s by the end of the week if they are no unforeseen last minute hitches.
The Soares signing would mark a terrific week for Saints in the transfer market having already signed up another talented young player in the shape of Juanmi.
Soares came through the youth ranks at Sporting, and has twice won the Portuguese Cup – one with Sporting and once when on loan at Academica de Coimbra.
He has made 67 club appearances, scoring two goals, while representing his nation through youth levels right up to the senior side, for whom he has four caps.
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