SAINTS are again being linked with Italian international centre half Davide Astori.

As the transfer window re-opens tomorrow, Saints could be set to make fresh efforts to strengthen their defensive options.

The lack of real quality in depth in that area has been exposed in recent weeks following spells out of the side for first choices Dejan Lovren and Jose Fonte.

Jos Hooiveld has made a couple of high profile mistakes leading to goals at Newcastle and at home to Tottenham.

And Maya Yoshida also failed to make the most of his chance when he played in the 3-2 home loss to Aston Villa.

Indeed, Saints have not lost at home this season when Fonte and Lovren have lined up together.

Astori, 26, has been a regular for mid-table Cagliari in Serie A this season.