Saints are reportedly weighing up a £3.5m move for Scott Dann.

The Blackburn defender is being chased by Saints’ guests at St Mary’s on Saturday, Dutch giants Ajax, but Nigel Adkins could offer him a chance to remain in England.

Dann had been expected to leave Ewood Park this summer following Blackburn’s relegation from the Premier League , but clubs have reportedly been put off by a £6m price tag.

However, it seems Saints may be confident of negotiating a better deal.

The 25-year-old has twice been relegated from the top flight but would provide vital cover in the centre of defence with Adkins potentially set to try and recruit two centre halves before the start of the season.