Saints are on the brink of signing Japan defender Maya Yoshida.

Saints boss Nigel Adkins completely dismissed the prospect of landing the 23-year-old VVV-Venlo player after Saturday's Barclays Premier League defeat to Wigan.

But it is understood Saints are poised this afternoon to complete what is reportedly a £2million deal inside the next 24 hours.

The npower Championship runners-up are also eyeing three more signings before the transfer window closes on Friday night, on top of putting the finishing touches to a move for Bologna star Gaston Ramirez.