Graziano Pelle’s Saints career could come to an end this summer with Lazio among several Italian clubs believed to be interested in signing the striker.

Pelle has been the main man at St Mary’s since joining the club two years ago to link up again with manager Ronald Koeman.

However, he has fallen out of favour in recent weeks, culminating in him being left out of the match day squad for the Manchester City game after Koeman was unimpressed by his attitude in training.

Pelle has just one year remaining on his contract after this season, and with the striker set to turn 31 this summer, and increasing competition in his position, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Saints will offer him a new deal.

With that in mind, if an acceptable bid comes in for Pelle then Saints are likely to be prepared to do business, rather than lose him for nothing just a year later.

Lazio are the highest profile of the Italian clubs interested, and reportedly the most serious potential suitor, as they look for a replacement for veteran forward Miroslav Klose.

Pelle himself has indicated he would like a move back to his native Italy before the end of his career, though recently insisted he was in no hurry to leave Saints.

Saints already have Shane Long in fine form in Pelle’s position, while Charlie Austin adds further depth, and with Jay Rodriguez coming back to fitness Koeman is not short of striking options.

Pelle is set to go away with Italy for Euro 2016, and Saints may wish to wait until after the tournament before doing any potential business, as his value could well rise on the back of a good tournament.

However, it is believed that Lazio could try and get a deal done before this summer’s tournament in France.

Even if Pelle’s stay at Saints does only end up being for two seasons, he has been a fine signing for the club.

His return of 17 goals in his first season at the club and 13 this term makes the £8m fee Saints paid to Feyenoord to sign him look a bargain.

Pelle’s contract situation is what makes the situation more pressing.

When he last spoke about it, Koeman said: “Ok, the situation of Graziano is a little bit different than other players because Graziano will be 31 and 32 at the end of next year and that’s difficult.

“It’s too early to conclude about his future.

“I know it’s left one season on the contract but it’s too early now to talk about his future.

“Maybe in the summer, after the summer.”