REPORTS from Italy are linking Serie A side Sassuolo with a move for Saints’ Moi Elyounoussi, following his impressive performance at West Ham.

The Norwegian international spent two seasons on loan at Celtic but has managed to nail down a regular spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans this campaign.

The 27-year-old scored a hattrick in his first Saints appearance for two years in the EFL Cup tie at League Two Newport County, before following it up with a Premier League goal at Newcastle.

He’s now made 14 appearances in the league this season, scoring his second goal from long-range with his weak foot during the 3-2 win at London Stadium.

Italian media outlet Tutto Mercato have reported that the Italian side have already got in contact with Saints to discuss the possibility of a deal.

The report doesn’t go on to say whether Saints have shown any interest in making a deal happen back.

Hasenhuttl has recently stated that he believes none of his team wish to leave the club this January window, and that they would sit down and talk if they did.

However, any player could be persuaded by more suitable terms from elsewhere.

It is believed Saints spent a sizable fee of around £15million to acquire the attacking midfielder, who has also been used in a central midfield role by Hasenhuttl this season.

It would have to be a large offer for the player, whose contract expires in summer 2023, for Saints to make back what they have outlaid.