SAINTS have reportedly been “in talks” over a transfer deadline day loan swoop for Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour.

The Daily Mail claim the 19-year-old has asked to go out on loan for the second half of the campaign, to boost his chances of making Scotland’s squad for the summer’s European Championship.

Gilmour burst on to the scene under Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge last season, before picking up a knee injury in July.

The midfielder has played just seven times for the Blues this campaign.

Ralph Hasenhuttl said after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at St Mary’s he was still looking to add to his squad before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Saints suffered injury blows in midfield at the weekend, with both Ibrahima Diallo and Oriol Romeu limping off against Villa.