SAINTS are reportedly closing in on the signing of hotly-tipped Chelsea prospect Tino Livramento on a five-year deal.

The 18-year-old right-wing-back won the Blues’ academy Player of the Year award just months ago and is seen by many as one of the Champions League-winners’ best prospects.

The England under-19 defender joined Chelsea at under-9 and made 20 appearances for the academy’s most senior team in Premier League 2 last season, the under-23s.

With the deal first reported by the Daily Mail, The Athletic now report details including the five-year contract that will keep him at Saints until 2026 and a buy-back and sell-on clause should he move on from St Mary’s for big money.

The report also details how he is among Ralph Hasenhuttl’s top targets and the Austrian boss is said to be ‘over the moon’ about acquiring him.

The youngster had yet to make a first-team appearance but did impress coaching staff enough to land a place on their bench for games towards the end of last season, including Arsenal and Manchester City.

If the move is confirmed by Saints, it will be the second Chelsea academy youngster to switch to the south-coast this summer following centre back Dynel Simeu’s completed move.