Saints are considering taking up their option to sign Guly do Prado on a permanent deal now the transfer window has reopened.

The Brazilian striker, who turned 29 yesterday, has been on loan at St Mary’s from Italian side Cesena since the start of the season.

When Saints moved to secure him in the summer they made sure there was a clause in the loan agreement that meant they could sign him permanently in January if they wished at a pre-arranged fee, believed to be a six figure sum.

If a work permit can be obtained, Do Prado is now likely to agree terms on a contract to become the second Saints player to turn his loan into a permanent move in January, following in the footsteps of Richard Chaplow who completed his switch two days ago.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins has been pleased with Do Prado’s progress in recent weeks after the hitman took a while to settle into life in a different country where he didn’t speak the language.

“There’s things we’ve got to sit down and talk about,” said Adkins on the prospect of a permanent deal for Do Prado.

“I was just pleased with Guly that he kept going (against Huddersfield).

“Things weren’t working for him from the beginning but we talked about it from day one – when you come to a new country and a new football club you have to settle in.

“He’s settling in with the players, working hard and understanding the requirements of playing in English football and League One football.

“It’s different from a mentality point of view to being in different countries.”

Do Prado has started in five league matches, two FA Cup games and one Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie for Saints, with a further nine appearances in League One coming from the bench.

During those games he has scored three goals.