Southampton linked with Manchester City's James McAtee

That is according to the Daily Mail and The Athletic, who believe that last season’s Premier League 2 Player of the Year is one of four City players on the radar of Saints’ scouts.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has already added one starlet from the current Premier League champions, with Gavin Bazunu revealed as Saints’ first summer signing.

Holding midfielder Romeo Lavia is another player coveted by both Leeds and Saints, whilst Liam Delap, son of former Saint Rory Delap, has also been named as a player of interest by the Athletic.

McAtee and fellow attacker Cole Palmer have also been mentioned as potential targets, although it remains to be seen if any deal would be on a loan basis or a permanent transfer, with a likely buy back clause, as is the case with Bazunu.

In total, McAtee has made six senior appearances, including a 45-minute showing against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

He recently made his debut for England's under-21 side, and has previously represented his country at under-18 and under-20 level.

An attacking midfielder, the 19-year-old scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 22 Premier League 2 games as City’s under-23s lifted the league title.

Championship side Huddersfield Town have also been named as a potential destination for McAtee on a loan deal, but Leeds United’s interest largely stems from the fact they could use either Lavia or McAtee as makeweight in a deal for England international Kavlin Phillips, who is one of Manchester City’s big targets this summer.

However, if Lavia and McAtee become available to leave City permanently for Leeds, it would allow Saints the opportunity to try and convince them to swap the north of England for the south coast.

Already famed for their own prolific academy, Saints also have a blossoming reputation as an opportunity for talented youngsters at bigger academies to receive senior game-time, with Tino Livramento a recent example.