RUPERT LOWE has confirmed an interest in Sweden international Mikael Nilsson.

The Daily Echo yesterday reported that the 25-year-old was considering a move to St Mary's and the Saints chairman has now admitted Nilsson IS a Saints target.

Nilsson is a versatile player who can play at right back or on the right of midfield - he played in both positions during Sweden's 5-0 Euro 2004 romp against Bulgaria on Monday night.

Nilsson, who can also play in central midfield, sees his current contract with Halmstad expire in December.

It's looking increasingly unlikely he'll sign a new one so the Swedish top-flight club need to cash in on him now or risk losing him for nothing.

Lowe, pictured, confirmed: "He is one of many we are interested in."

Meanwhile, Nilsson himself has said: "I know of the club's interest and it's an alternative that is interesting for me."

Among the other clubs competing for his signature are Panathinaikos, Rosenborg, FC Copenhagen, Metz and Paris SG.

One factor that could help Saints is that Nilsson shares the same agent, Kent Carlzon, as Anders and Michael Svensson.

Meanwhile, tabloid reports have again linked Glasgow Rangers with interest in Saints striker Kevin Phillips.

Only last month the Scottish giants were rumoured to be interested in Phillips and James Beattie.